There is none like that; give it me (ver. 9). When David slew Goliath "he put his armour in his tent" ("the ancient word for dwelling). But he appears to have afterwards deposited his sword in the tabernacle at Nob as a sacred relic, dedicatory offering, memorial, and sign; and on seeking for means of defence during his flight from the face of Saul" (ver. 10) it was still there, carefully "wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod," and was handed over to him by the priest. It was of special significance for him, and (as other memorials often do to others) it must have spoken to him with an almost oracular voice in the way of -

I. REMEMBRANCE of the help of God; afforded -

1. In the gaining of a notable victory over the enemies of the Lord and his people.

2. At a time of imminent peril and utmost extremity.

3. Through faith "in the name of the Lord of hosts." David's deliverance, as he then acknowledged, was accomplished not by the sling and stone, nor yet by the sword, but by the Lord on whom he relied; and he much needed to be reminded of it now.

II. ENCOURAGEMENT to trust in God.

1. In his service, in conflict with his enemies and obedience to his directions, the Lord is with his servants. They are not "alone" (ver. 1), but he is on their side (Psalm 118:6).

2. In the greatest extremity, when ordinary means seem unavailing, he is able to deliver them by those which are extraordinary.

3. The confidence which they place in him he never disappoints. "Fear not." "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."

III. WARNING against confidence in man. Overwhelmed with fear, he was about to take the daring step of leaving his people and seeking shelter with the Philistines, and eagerly grasped the weapon as an omen of the success of his scheme. But if he had reflected it would surely have taught him that -

1. There is no safety for a servant of God in dependence upon or in alliance with his enemies. None might be like "the Sword of Goliath" when used in "the Lord's battles," but in no other.

2. His own wisdom and strength avail nothing "without the Lord." And he was now evidently venturing on an erroneous and presumptuous course, in which he had no assurance of Divine guidance and help.

3. The weapon which has been powerful by faith is powerless without it, and may even be turned against him who employs it. Ancient memorials, institutions, methods are valueless apart from the spirit which they represent. It is probable that David was discovered in the native place of Goliath by the sword he bore; and the next thing we hear is that he and the renowned weapon he so highly prized were in the hands of the Philistines. - D.

I. First, then, THE HISTORY OF GOLIATH'S SWORD. See it, in the first instance, hanging at the giant's side. The man himself is mighty. Hark how he challenges the hosts of Israel. The after history of this sword is interesting. What became of it after David, having no sword of his own, put it to the giant's throat and cut off his head with it? It was Goliath's no longer; it was David's, really. It is evident that he was not content to have it ornamenting his own residence — he would give it to the Lord. He found it in his heart to hang the sword in the Holy Place, that God might have the glory. What happened next? Why, long afterwards, when David wanted a sword, God gave this very weapon back to him. Nobody is ever the poorer for lending to the Lord. God gave the sword back to David in the hour of his extremity. Now I want to say to you, surely you remember some great deliverance of days gone by. You remember the weapons with which God enabled you to carve your way through obstacles which you supposed must overwhelm you. You are getting into a tight place again, are you? Well, call to mind the previous experience; grasp the old sword, and trust the same, unchanging God. Use the promise that helped you out before.

II. But we shall, I hope, get still further blessing when we think of this sword FROM A SPIRITUAL POINT OF VIEW. These things may well be called an allegory. The war is still waging. The Philistine is still in the land. And what is David's sword? The sword is God's Word, Divine Truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God. "The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." We do not want another weapon. There is nothing to induce us to try another. We have watched the others trying them. They have had such poor success that it makes us the more content with the old Jerusalem blade.

(Thomas Spurgeon.)