David Stands Before Goliath Against the SunBible World
17:411 Samuel 17:41
And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.
The verse falls in the standoff that terrified Israel, when the immense and strong Philistine champion came forward to provoke a fight. He came on and drew near to David boldly, with the man who bore his shield going before him, his armor-bearer walking ahead of him. He had expected to meet Israel's mightiest warrior, and he was astonished to see only a youthful, unarmored boy.
David met the Philistine who defied Israel in his own way, setting aside Saul's armor because he could not wear it and slaying the Philistine with the familiar sling and stone. He slew the Philistine champion, and the sword he used in that victory was years later kept as a relic in the tabernacle. The encounter proves that no person may sink his individuality in that of another, but all as individuals grafted into one parent stock are to act in harmonious diversity the part God assigns them, in complete unity with mind blending with mind yet no two of the same mold. Characters are to be fashioned not after man's pattern but after the Lord's ideal under the molding of the Holy Spirit while striving for the fragrance of Christ's character, and no one is at liberty to demerit and belittle God's workmanship because a fellow worker does not bear his likeness. The encounter shows that God gives each person a distinct work and equips people differently, so they should not be forced into another person's pattern but should serve faithfully with their own God-given abilities.
The encounter warns against provoking a contest and then relying on one's own equipment or ability, contrasting Goliath's boldness and confidence in his armor with David's humble trust in God. Those who defend truth should rely on God rather than on prepared arguments or self-confidence. A proud and boastful defender of falsehood who defies God's people is like Goliath, and plain truth is like David's small pebbles that defeat him and expose his weakness. Victory comes not by sharp and severe dealing, but when God's servant meets him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with special prayer for victory to the truth, without losing temper and with dignity, so the Lord stands by His servant and the result leaves a right impression that causes many to favor the truth.
The verse falls in the standoff that terrified Israel, when the immense and strong Philistine champion came forward to provoke a fight. He came on and drew near to David boldly, with the man who bore his shield going before him, his armor-bearer walking ahead of him. He had expected to meet Israel's mightiest warrior, and he was astonished to see only a youthful, unarmored boy.
David met the Philistine who defied Israel in his own way, setting aside Saul's armor because he could not wear it and slaying the Philistine with the familiar sling and stone. He slew the Philistine champion, and the sword he used in that victory was years later kept as a relic in the tabernacle. The encounter proves that no person may sink his individuality in that of another, but all as individuals grafted into one parent stock are to act in harmonious diversity the part God assigns them, in complete unity with mind blending with mind yet no two of the same mold. Characters are to be fashioned not after man's pattern but after the Lord's ideal under the molding of the Holy Spirit while striving for the fragrance of Christ's character, and no one is at liberty to demerit and belittle God's workmanship because a fellow worker does not bear his likeness. The encounter shows that God gives each person a distinct work and equips people differently, so they should not be forced into another person's pattern but should serve faithfully with their own God-given abilities.
The encounter warns against provoking a contest and then relying on one's own equipment or ability, contrasting Goliath's boldness and confidence in his armor with David's humble trust in God. Those who defend truth should rely on God rather than on prepared arguments or self-confidence. A proud and boastful defender of falsehood who defies God's people is like Goliath, and plain truth is like David's small pebbles that defeat him and expose his weakness. Victory comes not by sharp and severe dealing, but when God's servant meets him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with special prayer for victory to the truth, without losing temper and with dignity, so the Lord stands by His servant and the result leaves a right impression that causes many to favor the truth.