What other biblical figures demonstrate courage similar to David's in 1 Samuel 17:34? Setting the Scene: David’s Courage in 1 Samuel 17:34 “ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock…’ ” David’s bravery sprang from a settled confidence that the Lord who had rescued him from lion and bear would likewise deliver him from Goliath. Scripture is filled with people who showed this same kind of God-centered courage. Joshua and Caleb: Courage to Stand Alone • Numbers 14:9 — “Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land; for they will be like bread for us… the LORD is with us.” • While ten spies spread fear, Joshua and Caleb held firm, urging Israel to trust God’s promise. Jonathan: Courage with One Sword and God’s Strength • 1 Samuel 14:6 — “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” • Jonathan and his armor-bearer climbed a cliff to face a Philistine garrison, confident that victory rested in God, not numbers. Gideon: Courage Gained Through Divine Assurance • Judges 6:12 — “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” • Though he began in fear, Gideon obeyed, led 300 men against Midian, and saw God turn weakness into triumph (Judges 7:9). Elijah: Courage Against a Nation’s Apostasy • 1 Kings 18:21 — “If the LORD is God, follow Him.” • Alone on Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted 450 prophets of Baal, trusting the Lord to send fire and turn hearts back. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Courage in the Furnace • Daniel 3:17-18 — “Our God… is able to deliver us… But even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.” • Their resolve showed fearless obedience in the face of death. Daniel: Courage with Windows Open • Daniel 6:10 — “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed… just as he had done before.” • Knowing the lions’ den awaited, Daniel kept his prayer routine unchanged. Esther: Courage in the Court of a King • Esther 4:14 — “Who knows? Perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” • Esther 4:16 — “If I perish, I perish.” • She risked her life to intercede for her people, trusting God’s providence. Peter and John: Courage Before the Sanhedrin • Acts 4:13 — They saw “the boldness of Peter and John.” • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” • The apostles proclaimed Christ despite threats, beatings, and imprisonment. Paul: Courage Through Suffering • Acts 20:24 — “I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course…” • 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 lists beatings, shipwrecks, and dangers; yet Paul pressed on, certain his life was in God’s hands. Shared Threads of God-Centered Courage • Confidence in the Lord’s presence and promises • Willingness to stand alone or outnumbered • Obedience that counts the cost yet presses forward • Testimony that encourages future generations—our courage today can echo theirs tomorrow |
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