1 and 2 Samuel present many contrasts in matters of faith.
The land is under almost constant incursion and attack by the Philistines, and we have the unstable character of Saul leading the Israelites against the invading forces. He was soon to be deposed as king, and David has been secretly anointed by Samuel in his place, in a remarkable episode.
But David has no immediate prospect of taking up the role of king. He’s been anointed and he believes and he trusts that God will bring this about.
The character of Saul alone demonstrates many lessons and warnings for us as believers. Saul was under the discipline of God. He had been seized by a disposition of great melancholy. In fact, David has been called in to the royal court to be his armour bearer, and a harpist – to play for him, to try to ease his deep depression. The qualities of leadership that God had given to Saul, for the purpose of his office as king, he had taken from him, as a punishment for his sin of disobedience. Sin has consequences.
We have the terrifying character of Goliath, and the way God used him to teach the people that victory could only be achieved if they fought by faith and prayer. In earthly terms, they had no prospect of defeating the Philistines with such a formidable opponent.
Goliath did his level best to intimidate the Israelites – approaching their front line, roaring challenges at them. The psychological effect can only be thought about.
And this teaches us today that always in spiritual warfare, and this war would have a spiritual significance, it is the war of the idolaters against those who profess the true and living God, who have the promise of God to defend them if they fight with faith and prayer.
The enemy of souls may roar and demoralise and dismay, but God will always provide a way of escape and salvation, as He did by providing David and enabling him to defeat Goliath in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Related Resources
Saul and David Contrasted
A fresh look at the famous defeat of Goliath showing that for the believer all events are a spiritual matter. Here it is seen that spiritual tenacity and strength co-exist with gentleness and kindness. Here also is the difference between working by flesh or spirit. Related Resource: Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David & From … Continued
Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David
Lessons in Faith from David and Jonathan
King Saul is under God’s judgement, and David has been secretly anointed as king. Here we see Jonathan’s faith and humility, while pride and suspicion consume Saul. We also see Saul’s classic false ‘conversion’ that soon fails, and David’s laying all before the Lord. Related Resource: David as King