Topical Bible: Faith: David, in Striking Down Goliath

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The account of David striking down Goliath is a profound illustration of faith in action, demonstrating reliance on God’s power rather than human strength. This narrative is found in 1 Samuel 17, where the young shepherd David confronts the Philistine giant Goliath, who had been taunting the armies of Israel.

Context and Background

The Philistines and Israelites were engaged in battle, with the Philistines camped on one hill and the Israelites on another, the valley of Elah lying between them. Goliath, a champion from Gath, stood over nine feet tall and wore heavy armor. He challenged the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him, declaring that the outcome would determine the servitude of the losing side. For forty days, Goliath issued his challenge, instilling fear in the Israelite army.

David’s Faith and Courage

David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent by his father to deliver provisions to his brothers who were in the army. Upon hearing Goliath’s defiance, David was stirred to action, not out of personal ambition, but out of zeal for the honor of God’s name. David’s faith is evident in his response to King Saul, who doubted his ability to face the giant: “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

David’s confidence was not in conventional weaponry or armor, which he refused, but in the Lord Almighty. He approached Goliath with a sling and five smooth stones, declaring, “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).

The Battle and Victory

David’s faith was vindicated when he struck Goliath on the forehead with a stone from his sling, causing the giant to fall face down to the ground. David then used Goliath’s own sword to kill him and cut off his head, securing a decisive victory for Israel. This act of faith not only delivered Israel from the Philistine threat but also demonstrated the power of God working through those who trust in Him.

Theological Significance

David’s triumph over Goliath is a testament to the principle that faith in God can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It underscores the belief that God empowers those who trust in Him, regardless of their size or strength. David’s reliance on God rather than human means serves as a model of faith for believers, illustrating that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness.

Legacy and Impact

The account of David and Goliath has become emblematic of the victory of faith over fear and the triumph of divine power over human might. It is frequently cited as an example of how God can use the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. David’s faith and courage in this encounter foreshadow his future role as king of Israel and his enduring legacy as a man after God’s own heart.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:37,46,47
David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Go, and the LORD be with you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Introduction.
... Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the life of ... with an enthusiasm of youthful
courage and faith. ... practically, the Psalm began with David; and though ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... simple fact appears to me to suggest a striking moral ... use them again against new
foes of the house of David. ... He knows no faith who never had a fear; for candid ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... put away a good conscience, concerning faith made shipwreck[3 ... so corrupting and seducing
as David's kingly power ... of Solomon is still more striking; his falling ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

The Story of God's Mighty Acts
... as that which is true, and nothing more striking than those ... you, too, how by the
hand of David, God smote ... they have made a profession of their faith in Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the story of gods mighty.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... these two things"promise and [Pg 60] faith"must always ... they are necessarily limited
to the time before David, if they ... will be seen in a very striking light ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Temptation of Christ
... and to any but innocence itself, a very striking prospect of ... others how they must
fight the good fight of faith. ... We pray say of it, as David did of Goliath's ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... deep water, for there is no fear of striking against a ... have a share of the spoil,
according to David's law ... actual service and warfare we must have men of faith. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... God's not striking is a slighting: "Why should ye be ... Thus he provoked David to number
the people (1 Chronicles 21 ... red dragon, and by the power of faith puts the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... that salvation is by grace thro' faith and altogether ... the Lord Jesus Christ, the
striking, the accurate ... Abel, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Samson, David, Solomon (and ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

False Profession.
... busy with the mind and conscience, striking them with ... makes preaching vain, profession
vain, faith vain, and ... When choice David was dejected, the remembrance of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm