DAVID DEFEATS GOLIATH,CHILDREN STS Lesson 4
Texte: 1 Samuel 17:1-58
The account of the battle between David and Goliath is one of the most interesting stories in the Bible. This is because, in this battle, God shows His mighty power by fighting for His people. It also exposes the foolishness of man’s boasting of his strength and power. When the children of Israel rejected God’s plan for their nation and asked for a king, one of their reasons was that they wanted a king to judge them like other nations, go out before them and fight their battles (1 Samuel 8:5,19,20). Now, they were going into battle against the Philistines. But Saul, who was the first king of Israel was rejected by the Lord because of his disobedience. It was at this period that King Saul led the children of Israel into battle against their strong enemy, the Philistines, and they could not stand before their adversaries.
Children who live in sin and disobedience to their parents, teachers and God cannot overcome in the battle of life because disobedience brings defeat and disgrace. But David, a young boy who lived a life of obedience was raised up by God to conquer Goliath the giant who was a great warrior and champion of the Philistines. This teaches us that God can use anyone to do His work. The key ingredients are obedience and faith in God.
GOLIATH’S BOASTING AND CHALLENGE:
1 Samuel 17:1-11; Psalm 35:26
There was a battle between Israel and their long-time enemy – the Philistines. Each army camped in opposite direction. The Philistines on one side and the Israelites on the other with a valley in between them. The Philistine champion named Goliath came out to challenge the army of Israel. The word ‘champion’ here means someone who can stand on behalf of the army of his country to challenge an enemy nation. Sometimes, a champion from each side of warring armies would fight each other, and the war’s outcome would be decided by whoever of the two champions won the fight. This approach minimized bloodshed. The Philistine champion was very tall and referred to as a giant. The weapons of Goliath include: Coat of mail: It is said to have weighed 5,000 shekels of bronze, which translates to roughly 125 – 194 pounds (56.75kg-88kg). Bronze helmet: A helmet made of bronze to protect his head.
Greaves Spear: Goliath’s spear had an iron point and a shaft as large as a weaver’s beam. The iron point alone weighed 600 shekels, which is approximately 15 pounds (6.8kg). Goliath also had a shield bearer who walked in front of him, and a javelin or sword slung between his shoulders. These descriptions show the things worldly people or sinners place value on – outward strength, physical power, money, position, education, worldly amusement and associations, riches and parent’s influence. All these are inadequate in comparison to David’s simple faith in God. The children of Israel and their king became terrified at the sight of Goliath and his armour. Their fear shows their lack of faith and trust in God and His covenant promises. Goliath challenged Israel to battle twice a day for forty days. In the midst of this confusion and fear, God raised up a man to defend His glory. His name was David, the shepherd boy. The enemy, Satan, is still boasting and challenging the Christian faith today. God is searching for the boy or the girl who will stand for the truth and defend the faith. Will He find you willing to take up the challenge?
GODLY RESPONSE TO GOLIATH’S CHALLENGE:
1 Samuel 17:12-37
The three eldest sons of Jesse were at the war front with King Saul and the army of Israel. Therefore, as a loving father, Jesse sent David, the youngest son, to the warfront to know about the welfare of his brothers and take some food to them. When David arrived at the camp, Goliath appeared again to boast and insult the people of God. On hearing this, David became sad. He saw the insults from Goliath as not just against Israel but against the living God. David cared more for the glory and honour of God than for his own safety or security. He, therefore, made up his mind that he would defend the glory of God. In your school or community, you must stand for Christ and defend His word. When others are making jest of God’s word through their words and actions, you must be separate, stand against falsehood and defend the Truth. David was victorious because he trusted the Lord. Trust in the Lord and He will also defend you.
GREAT AND SWEET VICTORY OVER BOASTFUL GOLIATH:
1 Samuel 17:38-58; 2 Samuel 21:15-22
The secrets of David’s victory over Goliath are his humility, total obedience and faith in the God of Israel. David put his faith in the living God, not in physical weapons. He refused to go to battle with a weapon he was not used to. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). David did not trust in himself but in God to achieve the victory over Goliath and the Philistines. Whenever you are faced with difficult situations and problems, these giants (problems) can be conquered if you exercise faith in God. For friends of Jesus today, we are not fighting against Goliath of Gath. But we are to daily fight against the Goliath of:
G–Greed (desire to take or eat more than what you need).
O–Over-confidence in self, probably because of your success, parent’s riches or position, beauty and other things.
L-Lust (immoral and dirty desire) and laziness.
I-Idol worship, influences from the world.
A-Anger, association with bad friends.
T-Tale bearing and gossiping.
H-Hatred and high mindedness (pride).
There is no battle a true friend of Jesus cannot overcome if he depends totally on God. As David conquered Goliath in the name of the LORD of hosts, we also have the victory through the name of Jesus. But this is only for children who are born again. Are you born again? Give your life to Jesus now so that He can fight your battle on your behalf.
QUESTIONS:
- Why was Saul, the king of Israel, not able to fight against Goliath of Gath?
Disobedience brings d___________ and d___________
- Who were the Philistines? (b) Friends of Jesus today are not fighting a Physical battle against the Philistines. Who then are they fighting?
- What were the factors that gave David victory over Goliath?
- What is the GOLIATH that friends of Jesus must defeat today?
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)
LESSON: A life of obedience, courage and faith in God will always lead to victory when faced with challenges of life.
THOUGHT: I will always trust and obey God so as to have victory in all battles of life.
ACTIVITY: Using the letters of the name DAVID, write in a vertical form the qualities one must have in order to have victory in life’s battles.
HOMEWORK: Children are to search the Scriptures and discover three kings in the Bible who were proud and boastful against God’s people. Write out the passages and what happened to them.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 100 – CHRIST OUR MIGHTY CAPTAIN
CHORUSES: (1) I will never let the devil win the battle. (2) We are victorious, yes we are victorious, glory be to God …. (3) Satan can never, never conquer me.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary: 1. Courage 2. Minimized 3. Prevailed 4. Boasting 5. Challenge.
NB: Read more here: www.inspiringalways.com
