July 12 & 13, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 1 Samuel and Mark? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 17 (NIV)
David and Goliath
1 Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. 2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.…..Continue Reading
What a sermon this passage would make. But that is not the intent of these comments and my devotions…but what a great picture is here of the giants we face in our lives. People who oppose the things of God may seem so big and powerful..but they are truly nothing compared to the power of God who is always by and on our side. How unique David is to recognize the recognize the disparity that exists between the pride of this Philistine and the faith the Israelites should have. And how typical for an older brother to question the motive of the younger brother. And how David’s faith in God is validated in how God uses his skill that comes from his past experience as well as God being with him to make sure the stone hit its mark. May we asses life in the context of this great faith rather than letting fear of our enemies within and without control us. And isn’t it amazing the faith and confidence that everyone else has once David leads the way.
David was sent by his father Jesse to bring food to his three oldest sons and to see how they were doing. Right away the oldest son {Eliab} accuses David of wrong motives. That David only wants to see the war. Why would he accuse David of something he wasn`t thinking or doing? Was he jealous of David for some reason? Maybe he saw David`s faith in God where he lacked in his own faith. Many of the men of Israel were probably good warriors yet they all lacked the faith in God to defeat Goliath. It seems very clear that they all lacked faith in God because Goliath had been tormenting Israel for 40 days waiting for some man from Israel to fight him one on one. Thinking about how Eliab judged David wrongfully for no good reason. It should make us stop and think before we make judgements on other people`s motives. Only God knows the heart. Eliab rather should had been grateful that David came with food and that maybe Jesse had sent him.
One other thing about David`s reaction to his brother, Eliab. {What have I done now? It would appear that Eliab had been very critical of David at other times. Where is the brotherly love here? Eliab should had been encouraging David as an older brother and making his own walk with God better.
David has his faith in God and upon hearing that Goliath has been defying Israel and God. He immediately wants to defeat Goliath, and he knows that he will because God will be with him. He took his staff and grabbed five smooth stones, and his sling. He hit Goliath in the forehead, and he fell on his face. then he cut off Goliath`s head with Goliath`s own sword. God did this because of David`s faith in Him. God could had done this without help but chose to use David. This is a reminder to us that God wants us to be active with Him in bringing others to Christ.
1 Samuel 17; Romans 7-8
1 Samuel 17 and 18
A classic Bible story that in reality is the theme of our lives! Do we enter every battle expecting to win because we go with God on our side? Unfortunately all too often we do not! David was confident despite his size and circumstance, he knew when we are doing something for God and more importantly WITH God He will give us the victory over all of our giants!
”Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”“
I Samuel 17:37 NKJV
The perfect picture of reliance upon God, and stepping out in faith. David has experience to draw upon to boost his faith. When we face what appears impossible by our own power, it is helpful to survey Gods faithfulness in our past. And God is ever faithful.
1 Samuel 17