King James Version
The Book of 1 Samuel
Chapter 17
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Commentary
by G. Neil Armstrong
It is clear that some people did not think very highly of David's ability to defeat Goliath, the champion of the Philistines. There were certain references in their choice of words that give this impression. Eliab, David's eldest brother, seemed a little bit jealous. The text clearly says that Eliab's anger was kindled against David when he David speak to the men(v.28). The men responded in like manner (v.30). David was young and he wasn't a likely sort to be able to defeat the champion of the strongest enemy of Israel, but God had a plan for David's future and the future of the People.
Take a look at how David did speak. He did not boast as Goliath had. All that David had said in the situation was in reference to the mighty hand of God and that He ought not to be defiled in such a manner. David did believe with his whole heart that God will conquer the enemy that belittles His name. David did believe that God will deliver His people on that day. Whatever fear David may have felt that day, it did not show, leastwise enough for any emphasis to be recorded. David surely could not have done anything to kill Goliath, but his certainty that God will not be ridiculed or slandered caused him to be inflamed with confidence. If none other will go out to kill this Philistine, then David will go. After all, David had killed lions and bears.
At this point, David could not have known how the hand of God will deliver the People, but he had no doubt that He would. After Saul had given consent for David to go out against Goliath, David couldn't even wear the heavy armor given him. He went with only his sling and some stones in his shepherd pouch. Notice how just as the fight was to begin, David ran to the enemy and simply engaged in attack. He did not contemplate strategy. He did not allow time for "in case scenerios". He did not let doubt enter his mind. He was in it to win it. No matter what was to happen, or how all of this would end up, David went in to this fight with his mind stayed on God.
God delivered the People that day and He did it in the most unlikely manner. Isn't that exactly how He works His miraculous hand in the miracles of our lives today? Certainly, we don't always recognize the blessing because we sometimes fail to see the connection between our problems and God's solutions. Far too often, we ask God for something and then forget about it. When God does deliver with prevailing victory, we "take it in stride" sometimes and don't even see Him in it at all. We even sometimes go as far as think that we somehow done something to overcome our challenges, giving ourselves the credit instead of God.
We can not do any significant thing ourselves. We can overcome or we can be overcome by the things that we face in our lives. God is ever-present, ready to demonstrate HIs supreme power. We need only ask Him. We give Him great joy when we depend on Him. We give Him great joy when we recognize and acknowledge His hand in our deliverance.
