Topical Bible: Joy: when David Killed Goliath

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The account of David's triumph over Goliath is a profound narrative of faith, courage, and divine intervention, found in 1 Samuel 17. This event is not only a pivotal moment in the life of David but also a significant occasion of joy for the Israelites, as it marks a decisive victory over their formidable enemies, the Philistines.

Context and Background

The Philistines, a perennial adversary of Israel, had gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah. The Israelites, under King Saul, assembled their troops in the Valley of Elah. The Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath, a giant of a man, challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior to fight him in single combat, a challenge that struck fear into the hearts of Saul and his men. Goliath's taunts continued for forty days, morning and evening, as he defied the armies of the living God.

David's Arrival and Faith

David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent by his father to deliver provisions to his brothers who were serving in Saul's army. Upon hearing Goliath's defiance, David was stirred with righteous indignation and volunteered to fight the giant. Despite his youth and inexperience in battle, David's faith in God was unwavering. He declared to Saul, "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).

The Battle and Victory

Armed with only a sling and five smooth stones, David approached Goliath. The giant mocked David, but David's response was a testament to his faith: "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's confidence was not in his own strength but in the power of God.

As the battle commenced, David swiftly 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 miraculous victory for Israel. This act of divine deliverance led to a rout of the Philistine army, as they fled in terror.

Joy and Celebration

The slaying of Goliath brought immense joy to the Israelites. The victory was not merely a military success but a spiritual triumph that reaffirmed God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. The Israelites pursued the Philistines, plundering their camp and celebrating the deliverance God had wrought through David.

The joy experienced by the Israelites was a reflection of their renewed faith and trust in God. David's victory over Goliath became a symbol of God's power to save and deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. This event foreshadowed David's future role as king and his heart for God, which would lead Israel into a period of prosperity and spiritual renewal.

Theological Significance

The account of David and Goliath is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from trusting in God and witnessing His mighty acts. It illustrates the principle that God often uses the humble and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes, bringing glory to His name. David's faith and courage serve as an enduring example for believers, encouraging them to face their own "giants" with confidence in God's provision and strength.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:6,7
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Upon this the people raised a great shout of joy, and Samuel gave ... this cruel bargain,
for Saul hoped and believed that David would be killed, but David ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Faithful unto Death.
... There was great joy and much feasting over the Death of Goliath and ... Saul was afraid
of David. ... so he sent him into battle, hoping he would be killed, but the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxi faithful unto death.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... It has not killed him ... And David makes that purpose into a vow, for the words might
almost as ... Captain looking at us, and that should be a stimulus, a joy and not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance 2.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... grief in heaven any more than there can be joy in hell ... Say as David when he danced
before the ark, I will ... For thy sake we are killed all the day long' (Romans 8 ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... it, until at length we perceived that it must be killed or it ... HIM THAT WAS TO
COME"DAVID'S SON AND DAVID'S LORD ... deal of peace of mind, but never such joy as I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... No boastful Goliath can stand before our David; though the ... a soldier of King Jesus
is an honor and a joy. ... which have done your sins some damage, killed some of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

The Wounds of Jesus
... for ever." All that Death had ever killed before was ... David laid up Goliath's sword
before the Lord for ever. ... the Spirit, will find much cause for joy when he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the wounds of jesus.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... universe was laid; that is, when he "laid the foundations" of the world: Then "the
morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 5 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... as Bar Kokhabh was unable to do this, he was killed. ... says: Lord of the world, with
gladness and joy of heart ... In the hebdomad when the Son of David comes, they ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... not allow your youth to be withered, being killed by the ... But if David the Great say
unto you, Come and let ... those whom you hoped to have as sharers of your joy. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm