Our story takes place when the nation of Israel was in a sorry state mostly because of the actions of one man, King Saul. It is found in 1 Samuel chapter 17
The Philistines now mustered their army for battle and camped between Socoh in Judah and Azekah at Ephes-dammim. Saul countered by gathering his Israelite troops near the valley of Elah. So the Philistines and Israelites faced each other on opposite hills, with the valley between them. Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield. 1 Samuel 17:1-7.
I recommend that you visit the companion page You're First. It reveals another aspect of this encounter that is not often considered.
The setting
The Philistines were descendants of Ham and apparently came to the western seacoast of Canaan from Caphtor that may be what we now know as Crete. They were invaders who had one thing on their mind and it was war.
It is a spiritual matter, or a conflict between God and His people and the enemy who hates us all with a vengeance. It is similar to the prevailing attitude by many of Israel’s neighbours today who have publicly stated they want all Jews exterminated and constantly proved to be true by their actions.
There is a growing global movement today that focuses on boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel. This insidious movement is a tactic aimed at destroying Israel’s legitimacy as a nation state. It is merely one single element in a deeply anti-Semitic campaign to isolate Israel and undermine Jewish influence in every nation.
It coincides with shocking increases in blatant anti-Semitism in every nation. It ranges from spray-painted swastikas appearing with increasing frequency on synagogues and Jewish cemeteries around the world. It now includes bombings and shootings, such as the recent events in Brussels. People in traditional Jewish clothing—even the elderly—are being violently attacked in the streets. The cancer of anti-Semitism—often wearing a mask called “anti-Zionism” is spreading throughout the world.
Names, places and events in the bible are important because they have significant meaning, often prophetic in nature. Even the time factors mentioned may have spiritual significance to them, so those often seemingly trivial details can carry a great amount of revelation to us.
This is evident in our story.
They camped at a place called Socoh that means bush or thorn. Have you ever met someone who is like a thorn in your side? I have. Some of them are not a thorn but complete bushes.
They can jar your spirit without even trying. I’ve met people who I would prefer to see leaving than arriving and so have you I suppose because they just seem to grate on you somehow, but God commands us to love them. He never said we have to like them!
Those Philistines always wanted to fight Israel. Although the Philistines are no longer around, the spirit prevails and nothing has changed to this day. It reminds me that we often seem to be in a war ourselves. The battle was won by Jesus, but it sure seems at times as if the devil is hell bent (pardon the pun) on warring against the Church. I am not advocating that anyone embarks on so called spiritual warfare. That is often foolish and achieves nothing other than to muddy the waters.
The point that I want to make about those people is that they did not belong there! The land belonged to God’s people. The blessings and privileges that come as part of the salvation package belong to God’s people and to no one else.
The devil has lied and cheated for long enough and it is time for the church of the living God to wake up and regain what we gave away through ignorance and many other reasons.
They camped in the territory that belonged to Judah.
This was part of the land that God gave Israel when they entered into the Promised Land. Judah means Celebrated. It is derived from a word that means Praise. One thing that the enemy wants to do is to steal our joy. It rids us from peace and prevents us from praising God.
Trials
It is not easy to praise the Lord when things are going badly, but that is often one of the best times to do so. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail and that was a situation that could have caused them to legitimately feel sorry for themselves or start the blame game and the like. Does something sound familiar?
I receive many emails from people around the world—Christians who say that they love the Lord and share things. Some ask us to visit. Others ask to affiliate with us. Others beg and complain! Every email they send asks for help and I rarely hear something positive from them. They seem to lack the peace and joy of the Lord that He promised us. It is not easy when terrorism, famines, natural disasters, unemployment, illness and more strike. I know that! I’ve been on the receiving end of that, but I do know that God will never fail us.
Paul and Silas were bleeding and chained in that stinking hellhole, but started to sing songs of praise in that place and God joined in, tapping his toe in time with their music and the vibrations caused an earthquake to free them.
In this instance, God did not prevent them from being jailed, but he did set them free. He has never promised us total immunity from problems but He has assured us that He will be there beside us in the problems and will give us answers or solutions in those situations and circumstances.
The Hebrew boys in Daniel were not preserved from being taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, but He did establish a lifestyle for them that was full of blessing. When they refused to compromise, they were arrested and threatened with death refused to bow and worship a foreign god.
God never intervened when they were bound and thrown into a furnace that had been heated seven times normal.
They were cast into those flames, but all the flames did was to destroy their bonds and when their enemy pushed them in, they were destroyed. When the king looked inside, he did not see three men. He saw four men and declared that this fourth Man looked like the Son of God!
Who was that fourth man? I believe that this was Jesus appearing to men in what we theologically call a theophany that is a manifestation in the flesh of Jesus before his incarnation.
All four all of them were walking around unrestricted by those bonds, talking to each other and did not even smell of smoke.
The point that I wish to make is that God never promised us total immunity from difficulties or problems in our lives but He did give us the ability to deal with them and did promise to help us when we needed His help.
God is with us
It is not easy to praise the Lord when things are going badly, but that is often one of the best times to do so. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail and that was a situation that could have caused them to legitimately feel sorry for themselves or start the blame game and the like. Does something sound familiar?
I receive many emails from people around the world—Christians who say that they love the Lord and share things. Some ask us to visit. Others ask to affiliate with us. Others beg and complain! Every email they send asks for help and I rarely hear something positive from them. They seem to lack the peace and joy of the Lord that He promised us. It is not easy when terrorism, famines, natural disasters, unemployment, illness and more strike. I know that! I’ve been on the receiving end of that, but I do know that God will never fail us.
Paul and Silas were bleeding and chained in that stinking hellhole, but started to sing songs of praise in that place and God joined in, tapping his toe in time with their music and the vibrations caused an earthquake to free them.
In this instance, God did not prevent them from being jailed, but he did set them free. He has never promised us total immunity from problems but He has assured us that He will be there beside us in the problems and will give us answers or solutions in those situations and circumstances.
The Hebrew boys in Daniel were not preserved from being taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, but He did establish a lifestyle for them that was full of blessing. When they refused to compromise, they were arrested and threatened with death refused to bow and worship a foreign god.
God never intervened when they were bound and thrown into a furnace that had been heated seven times normal.
They were cast into those flames, but all the flames did was to destroy their bonds and when their enemy pushed them in, they were destroyed. When the king looked inside, he did not see three men. He saw four men and declared that this fourth Man looked like the Son of God!
Who was that fourth man? I believe that this was Jesus appearing to men in what we theologically call a theophany that is a manifestation in the flesh of Jesus before his incarnation.
All four all of them were walking around unrestricted by those bonds, talking to each other and did not even smell of smoke.
The point that I wish to make is that God never promised us total immunity from difficulties or problems in our lives but He did give us the ability to deal with them and did promise to help us when we needed His help. One such example is found in Isaiah 43:2 that says-
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
If you look at the preceding and following verses you will see that God is so interested and concerned about your life and welfare that He knows you by your own name, that you are precious to Him, that you are honored and that He loves you! He is so enraptured with you that He sent His only begotten Son for you! Think about it! God has many precious and wonderful thoughts towards us to ensure a bright and rosy future according to Jeremiah 29:11, so the trials and apparent tribulations of life that often seem to want to destroy us are really of no effect.
I like the phrase, “...and it came to pass” because our problems can come— to pass! They will eventually pass away and the day may come when you can look back on that time in amazement, wondering why you were so distressed and anxious. Worry is really a sin because it illustrates or indicates that you do not trust God. Think about that for a moment.
There are things that you and I must do however to ensure victory in every situation and circumstance of life. There might be problems. There will be good times. There will be peace and joy at the end of the day. The sun will come up in the morning. This reminds me of Psalm 30:5 that says-
God’s favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
You and I have a part to play in this thing. So did Israel.
When the nation of Israel entered their Promised Land, they were to go in and possess it and totally conquer the enemy. God commanded them to destroy everything associated with the enemy and that sounds harsh, but liken this to cutting out a cancer in your body and not doing so. They didn’t! As a result, the enemy had been permitted to remain and, like a thorn that has not been removed, it festers and is a constant irritation to the body.
One such example is found in Isaiah 43:2 that says-
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
If you look at the preceding and following verses you will see that God is so interested and concerned about your life and welfare that He knows you by your own name, that you are precious to Him, that you are honored and that He loves you! He is so enraptured with you that He sent His only begotten Son for you! Think about it! God has many precious and wonderful thoughts towards us to ensure a bright and rosy future according to Jeremiah 29:11, so the trials and apparent tribulations of life that often seem to want to destroy us are really of no effect.
I like the phrase, “...and it came to pass” because our problems can come— to pass! They will eventually pass away and the day may come when you can look back on that time in amazement, wondering why you were so distressed and anxious. Worry is really a sin because it illustrates or indicates that you do not trust God. Think about that for a moment.
There are things that you and I must do however to ensure victory in every situation and circumstance of life. There might be problems. There will be good times. There will be peace and joy at the end of the day. The sun will come up in the morning. This reminds me of Psalm 30:5 that says God’s favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
You and I have a part to play in this thing. So did Israel.
When the nation of Israel entered their Promised Land, they were to go in and possess it and totally conquer the enemy. God commanded them to destroy everything associated with the enemy and that sounds harsh, but liken this to cutting out a cancer in your body and not doing so. They didn’t! As a result, the enemy had been permitted to remain.
Avoid the traps
Allowing something like that to remain is like not digging the roots of a pesky weed from the garden. The thing grows back. They never took full control over the enemy from day one and as a result God’s people lived less than God’s best. They were being constantly harassed and attacked by the remnant that festered and regrew.
If you have a recurring series of problems, is there a remote chance that you have never fully dealt with the issue God spoke about before?
This is often why God wants us to deal with issues whilst they are small to prevent them from growing into major problems. Ignoring them is a risky business.
God could advise or warn of us not to touch a certain thing, go to some place, or meet with some people, because he knows what could happen.
A problem with some people is that they do not see the danger signals, or ignore Godly counsel and fall into the trap.
God does not give warnings like Don’t touch or Do not go there to spoil our fun, but for our protection and welfare.
Well-meaning Christians sometimes try to help someone else and wonder why things go wrong. Did they stop to ask God first? Did he ask them to do that? Are they qualified to do so?
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23
One basic meaning of I never knew you is I did not authorise you. One of King Saul’s failures was making sacrifice to God because he was not anointed to do that—Samuel was. The prophet had told him to wait until his return. Saul did not.
It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to make things happen or to attempt doing things tht God never asked us to do. Never think that God is taking too long to do something. We are not waiting for Him. He is waiting for us. He might be waiting for us to get our act together.
The disciples wanted to go to Asia to preach the Gospel and we know that this is what God wants, but the Holy Spirit forbade them. See Acts 16:6. If they had gone there to preach the Gospel, even with the noblest of intentions, they would have been disobedient and perhaps disqualified themselves for ministry.
If God says not to talk to someone, he means it, just as much as he means it when he tells us to speak with someone! Don’t communicate even to see if they are OK. This seems to be contrary with the love, care and concern we should have towards our fellow man, but the criteria is following the Lord’s instructions to the letter.
Many Christians seem to go from crisis to crisis and it often hurts to watch. I ask questions, “Have you done what God asked you to do yet?”
Have you stopped doing what God asked you to stop?”
Have you given that thing away that you should not have in your possession?”
I shudder when they reply, “I’ll pray about it.”
They usually don’t or they already know and have disregarded His voice until they forget that He has already spoken. The outcome speaks for itself.
It could seem trivial, but it is not. It is a faith and obedience thing and it is in the area where Israel had failed.
They never completely evicted enemy activity in their lives and so had not ensured that their lives were squeaky clean.
When things go wrong we should check to see if we are qualified to do what we are trying and where we stand before God.
What one person does or does not do can have an affect on others. It can shut down a ministry or it can lead to the fall of a nation. Joshua led the people into the Promised Land and won a great victory in Joshua chapters 1 to 6, but his second campaign failed dismally because one man, yes only one man, kept a trophy he should not have possessed. See Joshua 7, particularly Joshua 7:1-5.
I have laboured the point here to illustrate that there are principles or laws that apply to us just as much as they did then. Disobedience results in failure. What makes things worse is that it can become habit forming. The thing that God spoke about is forgotten and the conscience could become seared.
The devil probes for chinks in our armour and if we give him one, he pounces relentlessly and without mercy.
The enemy has no rights whatsoever to occupy any territory, blessing, promise or anything that God gives us. The only way he can take those things from us is when we permit it.
We see in this account that Saul & the Israelites camped in the Valley of Elah, having fallen into the traps I just described.
Elah
Elah means Oak. We think of oak trees as being something rock solid. We have a picture of something so firmly rooted, stable and mature that it is able to withstand storms and tempests. This is not so. The oak represents stubbornness, immovability, rigidity, inflexibility and the like.
In this light, it speaks of someone being so firmly rigid, set and established in habit patterns that God’s wishes are resisted.
As a result, they were camped in the wrong place. They had encamped in a valley, immediately placing themselves in a strategic disadvantage militarily.
They had conceded defeat before one blow fell. As a result, they had subjected themselves to the enemy, but Deuteronomy 28:13 states that God’s people are to be the head, not the tail and above, not below.
We do not deny the realities of life in what sometimes seems to be like a hostile environment. The enemy of our souls is still determined to harm us one way or another.
I recently heard of a young 27-year old Sudanese woman who married an American, has a 20-month old son and is expecting her second child.
The Muslim authorities refuse to recognise such a marriage and so deem her to be living in adultery.
They asked her to renounce her Christian faith and she has refused.
They have sentenced her to 100 lashes for her adultery and she has been sentenced to death by hanging for what they call her apostasy.
That sure is a hostile environment and is one you will hopefully never face.
Our position in Christ
This is a good place to discuss our position and standing in Christ. It is more than a nice-sounding phrase that sounds spiritual, but an established fact. Under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul penned such scriptures as-
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.
This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. Ephesians 1:15-23.
According to 1 John 3:8, Jesus came to destroy the works or ergon of the devil. Ergon relates to the deeds, efforts or labour employed as he goes about his tasks to bring us down.
Jesus did not destroy the Devil!
He nullified or destroyed the Devil’s right or authority to act. The word for destroy is likened to corrosion in metal. Any one who has had a car with rust in it knows that once that corrosion sets in the steel is gone! Corrosion in aircraft can be fatal, so Jesus took the devil’s right to inflict his damage on us completely and forever. He delivered a fatal blow to the enemy’s authority.
This does not stop him from trying or continuing to operate. He was found guilty and sentence was pronounced on him because of what Jesus did at Calvary, as it is in a court of law on earth. Here the sentence has been pronounced and the offender is remanded until the sentence takes effect. That is coming to the devil, but until then, he wanders around like a roaring lion probing here and there in his search for an opportunity. Don’t give him one!
Remember that the one who lives in you is greater than anything. See 1 John 4:4.
When Jesus cried triumphantly Teleō in John 19:30, He declared that He had done everything needful to be done. The meanings of this powerful word include Finish, fulfil, accomplish, pay, perform, complete, execute, conclude, discharge a debt and to make an end.
There is nothing left undone. His victory over sin and the devil is complete and we can enter into His victory!
Goliath
This person or being represents the devil who was originally known as Lucifer—a beautiful being adorned with all kinds of precious gems. He reflected the glorious light of God.
Think of splendour. Goliath’s name relates to splendour.
Let us look at this man.
- He was more than 2.75 metres (9ft) tall
- His coat of armour weighed 57Kg (126Lbs)
- He wore brass leg armour and wore the equivalent of 14 inch hobnail boots
- His helmet was made of brass
- He had a javelin (usually strapped between the shoulders in a special scabbard or sheath) and had a spear that was so big it was likened to a weavers beam.
- They were a minimum of 2 ½ inches in diameter (as wide as your forearm). It had a 6Kg (14Lb) spearhead. We are not told its length and as a spear has greater reaching abilities than a man's sword, I am of the opinion that this spoke of limited reach. Never forget that although the devil is a powerful adversary, he has limited scope.
The bible does not talk about the dimensions of his sword!
I wondered about this and asked the Lord about it. Suddenly I thought of what the bible says about God’s word and there are many descriptive ways to liken it. Here are a few. Jeremiah 5:14; 23:29. Ezekiel 12:25; 37:7; Ephesians 1:6; Hebrews 4:12. It helps purify us according to Psalm 119:9; John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26 and 1 Peter 1:22. It has been give to us so that we could believe in Jesus (see John 20:21 and was given to us for our benefit according to 1 Corinthians 10:11. God’s word is a powerful aid to stimulating our faith. Little wonder Jesus said that the devil tries to steal God’s word from us in Mark 4:14-15.
If we liken a sword to the spoken and revelatory word of God that has creative power, would mention of Goliath’s sword represent the enemy’s word? If so, then why give it credence? He is a thief and a liar and is the father of lies, so why draw attention to it?
We know that David later used Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head and I shall speak more of this later.
That man was a fighting machine. His whole life was dedicated to battle and all he knew was fighting. What made matters worse was an armour bearer went ahead of him. That man had to be equally as formidable a warrior as Goliath. Verse 41 says that this shield bearer went ahead of Goliath, so anyone who dared fight him had to first deal with that man and get past the shield!
It meant that Goliath was totally freed to use both arms and hands to use his weapons.
How big?
You might be the (little) Sumo wrestler in front!
Now the story goes that the Philistines and Israelites gathered for warfare. They were camped at a place called Sochoh.
The general meaning of the place is like being entwined or shut in by something. It is like a thorny hedge or a fence that provides formation, protection and restraint.
Both armies were restrained!
Israel was restrained by the fear and personal failures of the King.
The Philistines were restrained by the hand of God!
My friend, if you give God something workable in your life, he will protect you. It is like placing a thorny hedge of protection around you. We know what Psalm 91 and other scriptures say about that.
The bible says that they were in a region known as Ephesdammim. Names sure mean something. This name means drops or boundary of blood!
There was a blood line drawn between them. There is a blood line not only drawn around us, it is on us! Just as the Israelites had to place blood on the doorposts and lintels of their homes in Egypt, we have to apply the Blood of Jesus to our lives.
Keep that blood line on you! God is looking for it. The devil also sees it!
He knows who are real Christians and who are pretenders. A good example is found in Acts 19:13-15.
A group of Jews were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!”
Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.
But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?”
Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
They were saying the right words and probably doing the right things, but lacked personal and intimate relationship! If you want to win, you must be in personal relaitonship with God. The blood line must be there.
For 40 days the Philistines set the battle in array twice a day, but they did not or could not attack!
For 40 days the Israelites set the battle in array but they did nothing. They were saying the right words and going through the motions, but lacked one thing. Not one of God’s people did or said anything.
One reason why evil abounds is that good men do nothing or say nothing.
Sometimes it is better to remain silent but there are times when we believers must stand up for truth and righteousness.
For 40 days Goliath challenged Gods people who never responded and he is still challenging.
This is significant because the number 40 speaks of probation, testing, judgement and closing in victory.
The flood lasted 40 days
Moses had three 40-year periods and was on Sinai for 40 days & nights
There were 40 spies in Canaan
Saul, David and Solomon reigned for 40 years
Elijah’s fast lasted 40 days
Jesus was tempted 40 days and nights and had an earthly ministry of 40 days after His resurrection
For 40 days God’s people went through the motions of religious observances. Were they Hearers of the Word only and not Doers of the Word? See James 1:22.
The realities of life are that we become creatures of habit. If we do something long enough it becomes a habit pattern, that may or may not be a good one. Manners and habits are acquired.
Goliath and Israel had established 40-day habit patterns.
We all have our 40-day periods that vary of course and the real issue is not what they are but what we do with them or in them.
The issue is not Where we are, but What we are
The issue is not What happens to us, but How we respond.
The issue is not What we Think or Believe, but What we Say.
We shall see more of this later.
I mentioned forty-day periods, but it was really 39 days. David arrived on that fateful 40th day.
Why did Goliath not attack on day one? Israel was already displaying fear and defeat. All that he needed to do was stride down the hill and walk into the Israelite camp and everything was all over.
Peter says that our antidikos (the devil) is like an opponent in a suit of law. Our adversary or enemy, is As or like a roaring lion; not Is a roaring lion and is Seeking whom he May devour.
Peter says that We are to Resist him steadfastly in the faith. We cannot resist a superior foe!
James 4:7-8 tells us to submit to God (first) and then resist the devil, who would flee from us.
Now David had been all this time with his Father and then the Father sent him to his brethren. Being with the Father is a good place to be. Jesus was with the Father who sent Him on a mission and as His Father sent Him so does our Father send us.
How many?
David faced more than one opponent.
We tend to think that this was about one man of God and Goliath, but David faced 5 other obstacles, making 6 in all.
Goliath was a giant around 9 feet tall and a fully equipped and trained warrior. He was enough to strike terror in any man, but he had a shield bearer in front of him! This man was a warrior in his own right and had to be big and strong enough to carry his own weapons and armor as well as Goliath’s shield. David faced him first! Goliath was behind!
I am of the opinion that such a shield bearer could also function as a distraction. He could get someone’s attention whilst the real enemy lurked behind. David was called, anointed, prepared, ready for action and also alert.
The bible tells us that we are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices. In 2 Corinthians 2:11 when Paul was talking about other matters, including forgiving others, he said
... Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
That word device is interesting, coming from the Greek word noēma that talks about perception, purpose, intellect, mind and thought. I mentioned earlier that in order to succeed, we have to ensure our thought processes are right. We can be distracted by all kinds of things, some of which are good and wonderful, or as Paul said, “Lawful, but not expedient”. Regardless of what it is, even if it is a good thing, we cannot afford the luxury of letting our guard down and allowing something else to take our gaze off the things God has for us. Whilst we are looking at that shield, the giants we face could be taking aim and about to launch a barrage at us. We then wonder, “What happened?” What went wrong? Why did that person betray me?” and so on. Sometimes such attacks do not come from the outside, or the heathen, but from a brother or sister in the Lord or a relative! It happens.
Goliath was not the only giant that David faced. He may have faced 6 enemies, not only Goliath. Second Samuel 21:15–22 and 1 Chronicles 20:4–8 tell us that there were four other unusually tall warriors among the Philistines. They were Saph (also called Sippai), Lahmi, Ishbibenob, and an unnamed warrior. They are described in similar terms to Goliath , being describes as great in stature. The immense dimensions of their weaponry are also listed.
The unnamed giant is said to have six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This malformation, known as polydactylism, is only mentioned in the description of this giant, but I would not be surprised to find out that they were all like that.
The number six in scripture speaks about man’s world and sin. It is about man’s enmity to God, so is the number of imperfection; the human number; the number of man as destitute of God, without God and without Christ.
Man was created on the sixth day and six days were appointed to him for his labor; while one day is associated in sovereignty with the Lord God, as His rest. Our labouring is to enter that rest.
Six is therefore also the number of labor as apart and distinct from God’s rest.
The Sixth Commandment relates to one of the worst sins—murder.
If those giants had 6 fingers and 6 toes, it aptly describes that their whole walk in life and everything they did was sin oriented. Their armor was brass that is also a symbol of sin and we know from the biblical account that Goliath was covered with it, from his head to his feet. His thought life and everything he did was therefore sin oriented, pure and simple.
The serpent was created on the sixth day and this creature was used by the devil to bring about the fall.
We could thus say that David’s battle was against sin—manifested in, through and by those giants. The question comes to mind therefore as to what each one of those giants represented. Are they evil spirit beings? I think so.
Giants like the Anakim are mentioned in scripture. The Israelites encountered tall people known as Emim in Deuteronomy 2:10–11 and the Zamzummim, also called the Zuzim in Deuteronomy 2:20. The Amorites, also mentioned previously also confronted God’s people.
The last group, also mentioned beforehand were the Rephaim and Goliath came from this group. He and the four giant warriors listed alongside him are descended from Rapha in Gath (see 2 Samuel 21:22 and 1 Chronicles 20:8).
If rapha is interpreted as a proper name Rapha, then the four warriors were all brothers of Goliath. The biblical text does not actually say this, as only one of these men, Lahmi, is specifically said to be the brother of Goliath. We could thus equate the term giants with Rephaim. Some of the Rephaim giants survived the wars of Moses and Joshua, and their descendants settled in the Philistine city of Gath. The other warriors who accompanied Goliath may not have been brothers, but they were all part of an enduring and unusual lineage that continually challenged Israel for their land and opposed their God.
Many of those tribes and clans that all have the “ites” (I like to think of them as parasites)at the end of their names that you may have seen and not realized any significance, can be associate with certain kind of demonic activities or spirits. Genesis 10:16-18 lists the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgasite, the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite, the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. They have certain specific traits and characteristics that can affect us today. Jezebel is also one and this spirit is active in certain areas of the church.
If we put these things into present day context, they represent sin in its various manifestations and especially those that have not been dealt with, that will continually try to rise up against us with the purpose of preventing us from taking hold of our inheritance.
Responsibility
We need to look at David for a moment. By this time, he had been anointed as King, but had to yet ascend to the throne.
He was treated with disdain by his family who wouldn’t even tell him that Samuel was at home. When asked if all the family were present, they tried to discount him. They thought that he was weird. In their estimation, he is the one who sings to sheep. He is a runt of a pimply faced boy who did not count, but God looked on his heart. God does look on our hearts you know. What does he see?
Whilst Saul and his soldiers were assembled for war and David’s brothers were conscripted, David had returned to his father’s home to look after his father’s sheep.
Apparently there was some kind of arrangement that allowed him to spend time with Saul and spend time with Jesse. David had previously been anointed to be King and by now had played his music in Saul’s presence when he was troubled, so he was no stranger to the court.
Jesse called him and gave instructions to take provision to his brethren who were with Saul. Let us see the account-
And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.1 Samuel 17:20
David rose early in the morning. There is an aspect of self discipline involved that is sorely lacking in the church today. Some of my associates advise me that it is all but impossible to get people to prayer meetings, but 4AM meetings? I will say no more on this but think of what I say.
He ensured that his father’s property (the sheep) were cared for. This meant that he put Jesse’s needs before his own desires.
He did what Jesse told him. This displayed a submissive and loyal heart, later made evident when he refused to touch King Saul even when the man hated hiim and tried to kill him. David refused to touch him because Saul was still anointed by God. The anointing is profound and must be respected.
On his arrival he found the right person to whom he could entrust his father’s property. This speaks of accountability and accepting responsibility.
He looked for his brethren and saluted them. He observed protocol. He wanted to keep the family ties intact. Even if you do not like the politics and whatever else you name... or what your pastor, the mayor of your city, the Prime Minister or President or the Pope does, they are there only because God allowed it! Think of it! You might not like the person, but pray for them, because God could use that perspon to achieve His purpose and there are many scriptural references to substantiate this statement.
There are many things to consider about this simple act of saluting the brethren.
These are the kinds of qualities that make a good leader. If God cannot trust us with the ordinary and trivial things, he cannot trust us with greater things.
Just as he was talking with his brothers (on the 40th day), Goliath issued his by now familiar challenge.
Saul quaked in his tent and the Israelites to a man were fear-stricken.
When David heard that, something inside him reacted.
He heard the Same Words as the Israelites and they All fled.
Now look carefully. If All means all, would this not have included David? We all have reactions and responses to things. Sometimes the initial response is automatic or involuntary, but we can control ourselves and change things if we know our position in Christ.
If David did flee with the others, the question remains, “Why?”
Fear is contagious. So is unbelief. The 40 spies Moses sent out reacted differently. Ten gave an evil report that spread like wildfire through the camp. It was contagious but two men stood their ground. Only those two men received their promise and entered the Promised Land. The report we are giving will determine the outcome for us.
Faith is also contagious.
If David initially fled, something stirred within to change his demeanour. What changed David? David had a twofold testimony.
He remembered the testimony of the nation and how Moses had led them out of bondage.
He remembered the Word of the Lord to him when Samuel anointed him and he remembered the anointing itself.
He declared his testimony of the lion and the bear.
You too have a testimony. You are reading this to start with and the rest of your life starts now, so you have a testimony that can be increased or expanded upon as the days go by.
Don’t ever forget your first love. Don’t ever forget where you came from and the pit from which you were dug. That first excitement and zeal and the memories of the freshness of your new birth can be as fresh today as it was then.
Keep the honeymoon relationship fresh!
On his arrival, Goliath emerged and issued his challenge. Something stirred inside him. How Dare Goliath...how dare he challenge God...How dare he challenge the church.
David rehearsed the matter with the people and they told Saul.
The leader would not go himself, but told David to go. The people were fearful because Saul was fearful. The people were failures because Saul had failed.
Any group can only rise to the level of their leader, whatever that may be. He cannot make them better than himself and must lead by example and that is from the front.
Confession
Many Christians get into trouble because of Their Opinions. They major on what they think about something, but we are to have the mind of Christ and think like him. What does the word of God say about the matter?
Scriptures like Matthew 12:34 & Proverbs 18:21 prove that words bear testimony to what is in the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The power of life and death is in the power of the tongue. Words can hurt you (or bless you) more than anything else. Hebrews 10:23 indicates that we should learn to talk the same language God talks. The word used is Homologia, that simply means having the same kind of speech that God has.
Most of the spies in Canaan said, “Look at the giants...they’re big”, but two said, “Yes but look at the size of those grapes”
The Israelites looked at Goliath with natural eyes and said, “Look at him...he’s big” but David said, “Look at him...he’s too big to miss.” See Revelation 12:11.
It is much more than merely making positive affirmations!
Anyone can do that.
This declaring what God can and does do using His word and this is the key to our success.
There is also one thing that David did right and it was getting the facts!
The other men were talking. They asked him, “Have you seen this man?”
He was there of course so he had to have seen him, so what was that speech about?
They were talking the problem, not the solution. This is one reason why God commanded Joshua to instruct the people to remain silent as they marched around Jericho for the first six days. One man could have started talking about how high the walls were. Another could have added to it and before you know it, everyone was starting to talk negatively.
They talked about how Saul would honour the man who defeated Goliath. David wanted to get his facts right and asked for clarity. See the account in 1 Samuel 17:25-27.
His own brother tried to cut him down. Sibling rivalry is a bad thing. He wouldn’t do a thing himself and when David showed interest, he berated the lad. Sometimes we have to cut ourselves off from our own family and that hurts, but if we recall what Jesus said about putting family and friends first in Matthew 10 and verses 34 onwards, it is a sobering thought.
David responded correctly.
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. 1 Samuel 17:29-30
There was a cause and he would not be silenced, so kept asking pertinent questions about the rewards Saul promised, because something was stirring within him. Someone told Saul about it.
There are times when we need another person to say something or do something to trigger our breakthrough. It often requires a jump start to get things rolling and God uses others to do so.
Saul sent for David.
When David stood before him, he told the King and everyone else not to be afraid. He said, “I will go and fight him.” That was the equivalent of declaring, “I will be your champion”, but Saul scoffed at him.
He stated that David was a puny runt who had no battle training or experience versus a giant of a man who was a warrior. If it were possible to do so, I would venture to say that Goliath was specially bred to be a fighting machine and that was all he knew.
Off with his head
David cut Goliath’s head off.
He knew that he had slain his enemy, but wanted to make sure that the source or the driving force behind him was eliminated—and everyone knew it! It is quite possible that we have a situation or a problem and deal with that little realizing that the real culprit is hidden or that it has companions. This is what I wish to now discuss.
Many years ago, a wonderful woman in the church came for prayer, saying that she was suffering from a severe headache.
I laid my hands on her and she said that the headache disappeared. Everyone was happy. Some time later, she came again with the same problem and I prayed with the same results. This started to happen often and I realized something was wrong, so inquired of the Lord and He told me to stop praying for her. It surprised me because I would pray for anyone at the drop of a hat, until I learned better. The lesson was not to be too hasty in doing things, not to leap to conclusions and to check with the Holy Spirit first beforehand.
He told me that she had an issue with pride. Her vanity was the problem, because she disliked using her reading glasses. She also liked the attention given. Don’t be too quick to jump in. Things are not always what they seem.
He told me to tell her to start using her reading glasses. She thankfullly took that advice and the headaches stopped.
If you go back to my opening comments about the dental treatment I had to have. I did not want that to happen of course, but was wise enough to realize that the decay and ensuing infection would have caused other problems, perhaps greater sometime later. I laid my hands on myself. Marjorie prayed for me, but it still had to come out.
The lesson to be learned here is that we must deal with issues when we discover them and not try to sweep them under the carpet and ignore them or pretend there is no problem. We also need to do things God’s way on that specific occasion.
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