Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Kills Goliath

◄ David: King of Israel: Kills Goliath ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his multifaceted role as a shepherd, musician, warrior, and eventually, the King of Israel. His early life is marked by a defining moment that showcases his faith, courage, and divine favor: the slaying of Goliath.

Background and Context

The account of David and Goliath is found in 1 Samuel 17. During this period, the Israelites were engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Philistines, a formidable enemy. The Philistine army had gathered at Socoh in Judah, and the Israelites camped in the Valley of Elah. The Philistines had a champion named Goliath, a giant of a man from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him in single combat, a challenge that struck fear into the hearts of Saul's army.

David's Arrival and Faith

David was not initially part of the battle. He was tending his father's sheep when Jesse sent him to the battlefield to deliver provisions to his brothers. Upon arrival, David heard Goliath's taunts and was stirred by the Philistine's defiance of the armies of the living God. David's response was one of indignation and faith, as he questioned, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26).

Despite his youth and inexperience in battle, David volunteered to fight Goliath. King Saul initially doubted David's ability, but David recounted his past experiences of protecting his flock from lions and bears, attributing his victories to the Lord's deliverance. Saul relented and allowed David to face Goliath, offering him his own armor, which David declined, choosing instead to rely on his sling and five smooth stones from a brook.

The Battle

As David approached Goliath, the Philistine mocked him, but David's response was a declaration of faith and divine assurance: "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45). David proclaimed that the battle belonged to the Lord and that He would deliver Goliath into his hands.

In a dramatic and swift encounter, David slung a stone that struck Goliath on the forehead, causing the giant to fall face down to the ground. David then used Goliath's own sword to behead him, securing a decisive victory for Israel. This act of faith and bravery not only demonstrated David's trust in God but also served as a pivotal moment in his rise to prominence.

Significance

David's victory over Goliath is emblematic of the triumph of faith over fear and the power of God working through those who trust in Him. It marks the beginning of David's journey from shepherd to king, highlighting his role as a man after God's own heart. This event foreshadows David's future leadership and his reliance on God throughout his reign as king. The account of David and Goliath continues to inspire believers, illustrating that with God, all things are possible.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongs to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Reign of Saul.
... (2) The campaign against the Philistines in which David kills Goliath, the giant
that was defying Israel, and won great honor from the king. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter x the reign of.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Elah. In the army of Israel were the three oldest brothers of David. Every ... Lord's
people.". They brought David before King Saul. Some years ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... Ephraim and Benjamin,"in fact, all Israel except Judah's ... who would never have thought
of resisting David but for ... moved by loyalty to the dead king, may stand ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

Homiletical.
... of the proverbs." "The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel."
[601]. ... against Envy, adduces the instances of Saul's envy of David, and that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Thus it happened to Israel: for their sin they were sent back again by ... that they
went on their way to a pleasant river, which David the king called "the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Doctrine
... man this advantage, but it is the mere mercy of the king, either because ... being the
ministration of death (2 Corinthians 3). And again; "Israel, which followeth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, have not obtained it (v 30 ...
When we see a king's son play with a beggar, this is unbecoming; so if you be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard ...
... a Sampson against Philistines and a David against the ... who was a religious dissenter
in King James the ... Thomas Gataker's God's Eye on His Israel (1645), Preface. ...
/.../chapter xiii early english interpreters.htm