Who Was Goliath?
Goliath, the towering Philistine warrior from Gath, challenged the army of Israel with his imposing presence. Standing approximately nine feet tall, he wore a bronze helmet and a coat of bronze scale armor weighing sixty kilograms. His bronze greaves protected his legs, and he carried a bronze javelin slung over his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was thick, like a weaver’s beam, with an iron spearhead weighing around seven kilograms.
The name Goliath, in Hebrew (גָּלְיָת), means “exiled” or “soothsayer,” reflecting his formidable and menacing persona.
Who Was David?
David was the youngest son of Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah. During the reign of King Saul, Jesse, an elderly man, had eight sons. The three eldest—Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah—had joined Saul’s army to fight the Philistines. While his older brothers served in the military, David alternated between assisting Saul and tending to his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.
A young man with ruddy cheeks, handsome features, and bright eyes, David was the least among his brothers but possessed extraordinary courage.
David’s Bravery
David showed remarkable bravery by volunteering to confront what no one else dared: the giant Goliath. When faced with challenges, how do we respond? Do we tackle problems with determination, seek solutions, and remain calm, or do we allow difficulties to overwhelm us?
When confronted with Goliath’s threat, David chose to fight, not relying on his own strength but on his unwavering faith in God.
Preparing for the Battle
David’s victory over Goliath was not merely an act of courage but the result of careful preparation. Before facing the giant, David had already overcome two significant challenges: a lion and a bear.
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. (1 Samuel 17:34-35, KJV)
These adversities were formative experiences that strengthened David, equipping him for his confrontation with Goliath. David teaches us that the key is not in how we fight but in how we prepare for the fight. Adversities provide knowledge, growth, and development, shaping us for greater victories.
Adversity: A Path to Strength
Reflect on the adversities you’ve faced in life: the losses, the rejections, the “no’s” you’ve heard. Each challenge, no matter how painful, did not destroy you. Instead, it strengthened you.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5, KJV)
Adversity is not synonymous with defeat; it comes to fortify us. While we often associate adversity with negative experiences, it also has a positive side.
Strengthening Relationships
When a couple faces adversity together, the struggle strengthens their bond. Overcoming challenges as a team fosters new discoveries, mutual appreciation, and recognition between partners.
Strengthening Faith
Adversity draws us closer to God. In moments of difficulty, we seek His presence more fervently, deepening our faith and trust in His divine purpose.
The Purpose of Adversity
Imagine two restaurants with identical prices: one known for being good, the other for being the best. Which would you choose? Naturally, the best. So it is with God in our lives. He does not bless us haphazardly; He reserves the best for those who trust in Him.
Sometimes, what seems good to us is not God’s will. Adversity may prevent us from settling for the “good” so that we can receive the “best” in His perfect timing. It is the necessary “no” that paves the way for the “yes” we dream of.
The Armor of God
Impressed by David’s courage, Saul attempted to clothe him in his own battle armor. But God desires that each of us experience unique victories, achieved with our own “armor.”
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. (1 Samuel 17:38-39, KJV)
David rejected human armor, trusting instead in God’s protection. When God allows us to face adversities, He provides protection, strategy, and victory, as long as we rely on Him.
David’s Victory
David defeated Goliath with determination, a willingness to change the situation, and, above all, trust in God. His triumph was not only physical but a testament to faith, demonstrating that preparation, courage, and dependence on God can overcome any giant.
