DAVID DEFEATS GOLIATH, YOUTHS STS Lesson 212
MEMORY VERSE: “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David” (1 Samuel 17:50).
TEXT: 1 Samuel 17:1-58
There has been battles between the children of Israel and their enemies since Saul became king (verse 1). The Philistines had already intruded the territory of Israel (verse 2). On this occasion, both of them were on a mountain against each other and a valley was between them (verse 3).
Goliath, a champion of the Philistines, challenged the Israelites to choose a man among them who will fight against him, and the result of the contest will determine the result of the warfare. But Israel could not provide anyone bold enough to challenge him until David came. God used him to rescue Israel from the intimidation of the Philistine, because Saul the king had lost his authority.
The case of Goliath is a typical representation of the challenges that stare believers in the face. They may linger for some time as if God would not intervene or send a deliverer. But in due time, God sends help to His saints. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Therefore, our attitudes in difficult and challenging times should be of prayerfulness and patience with faith (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).
1. CHALLENGE FROM THE PHILISTINES (1 Samuel 17:1-11; Matthew 14:24-31; Mark 4:36-40; 2 Kings 18:28-36; 19:14-16,35-37; 2 Chronicles 20:1-4,22-25)
The description of Goliath in verses 4-7 of the text shows that he was “a man of war from his youth” (verse 33) as confirmed by King Saul. His intimidating posture, stature, outlook and words became a threat to the army of Israel.
Question 1: Why was the army of Israel afraid of Goliath?
Goliath dared and challenged the army of Israel. He said, “…I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (verse 10). This statement, coupled with his appearance and experience at war made Saul and all Israel become “…dismayed, and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11). The army of Israel were so terrified by him that they did not remember any promise of God. Also, Saul, the captain of Israel’s army had lost his relationship with God. Hence, there was no divine support because “the Spirit of the LORD (had) departed from (him)” (1 Samuel 16:14).
Question 2: What should be our attitude when confronted with challenges of life?
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22). Some challenges we face in life may look unusual. The only thing they unleash on us is fear. When we concentrate on the magnitude of our challenges, we become terrified and intimidated. Despite challenges, we should not lose focus on God’s promises. Rather, we should pray to God for help, and He will grant us victory.
2. COURAGE AND FAITH OF A SHEPHERD BOY (1 Samuel 17:12-37; Joshua 1:8,9; Daniel 11:32; Deuteronomy 31:7,8; Mark 11:22,23)
After the anointing of David by Samuel, he was employed into royal service to play musical instrument for Saul to drive away evil spirits that frequently troubled him (1 Samuel 16:23). He was still doing this service as at the time this battle came up. While his three eldest brothers were enlisted into the army, he went to keep the sheep of his father. “Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons… And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle… But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem” (verses 12-15).
On the battle field, the Israelites were continuously harassed by the Philistine “champion”. “And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days” (verse 16). In the meantime, “Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren…” (verses 17,18).
Question 3: What lessons can Christian youths learn from David?
David could have gone for sightseeing or even come back to take a break from the royal service but he “returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem” (verse 15). One could also have expected a young person like David to play around in the neighbourhood with friends rather than run a tedious errand of such. But “David rose up early in the morning… and went, as Jesse had commanded him…” (verse 20). He was obedient to his father and did exactly as he was commanded, though it was a tough assignment. David did not just abandon the sheep; he left the sheep with a keeper (verse 20).
Young people should cultivate the habit of assisting their parents and guardians in whatever duty assigned to them. Furthermore, they should watch over the family resources in their care. David took good care of his family’s properties. It was also observed that when he got to the battle field to see his brothers, he “left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage” (verse 22). He concentrated on the assignment given to him and was able to locate his brethren on time. He was a very diligent boy. How wonderful it is for youths to obey their parents promptly!
Question 4: How can Christian youths achieve their goals amidst oppositions?
As he discussed with his brothers, Goliath came to brag again. Saul and all the soldiers ran backward for fear, but David was not moved. Some soldiers who noticed his courage told him of the king’s promise to anyone who defeated Goliath. When he showed interest, his eldest brother became angry with him. But David remained focused on the task of defeating Goliath. His courageous words were heard and rehearsed before the king who also felt he could not defeat the Philistine. Meanwhile, he remained unmoved and confessed positively by giving testimonies of God’s past assistance, until Saul said to him, “Go, and the LORD be with thee” (verse 37).
As a Christian youth, when you are diligent in little assignments, God will make room for a greater one. If you have been diligent in your academic and you are performing well in the class, it could expose you to greater competitions that would earn you great awards. Although this could cause envy and jealousy from your colleagues, you must not throw in the trowel. Like David, you must remain courageous and focused.
- CONQUERING THE PHILISTINES BY FAITH (1 Samuel 17:38-58; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 60:12; Deuteronomy 23:9,10,14; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 55:6,7; Romans 10:9-13)
Having agreed to allow David fight the Philistine giant, Saul clothed him with his armour, which he himself had not been able to use to fight Goliath. But David refused it saying, “…I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him” (verse 39). He had claimed that God will not fail and with that conviction, he moved on. He only took his sling, staff and five stones in his shepherd’s bag. When Goliath saw David, he disdained him. Hence, he felt insulted, ridiculed and therefore, cursed him. David still put his confidence in God and hoped to take away the reproach of this uncircumcised infidel from both the army of Israel and God. “Then said David …I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts… This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear…” (verses 45-47).
Goliath could not believe his sight as he moved towards David to harm him, but “…David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine… and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine… but there was no sword in the hand of David” (verses 48-50). He then ran towards the fallen giant and cut off his head with his own sword. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. Then the army of Israel pursued and took spoils. Thus, Israel defeated and took over the camp of the Philistines through the exploit of David who was mightily helped by God. Courage, faith in and obedience to God are factors that can help us obtain victory in life’s battle.
Question 5: How can a youth be qualified to receive help from God?
God’s help is available to His righteous children. A sinning youth can become righteous by taking the following steps: Acknowledge self as a sinner, confess all known sins to God, turn away from his wicked ways and accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour. After that, he should maintain a close walk with Christ in regular observance of quiet time, fellowshipping with people of like-minded faith and labouring till the Lord comes.
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