David and his 3 enemies

Enemy 1: overcoming (feeling of) rejection

David’s family rejection was the initial challenge he faced. Despite being the youngest of 7 or 8 brothers in Jesse’s family, according to 1 Samuel 17:12-14 and 1 Chronicles 2:12-16, he was not favored or pampered as one might expect in today’s society. In fact, when the Prophet Samuel visited Jesse’s house in Bethlehem, as recounted in 1 Samuel 16:1, David was not even considered important enough to be presented before him, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:11.

David was not included in the group of his siblings who were being consecrated at the sacrifice in 1 Samuel 16:5. It was not because he was still a small child, but rather because he was tending to his father’s flocks in the field at the time. It is uncertain whether David was given this responsibility because he was so trustworthy at a young age or if he was purposely sent away from Jesse’s house. In 1 Samuel 17:28, it is mentioned that David only tended to 2-3 sheep, indicating that his father’s flock was not a large operation. However, it is disheartening to learn that Jesse left his young son alone in the field to shepherd such a small number of sheep. One may wonder why Jesse did not hire someone to help or keep the sheep in the backyard of the house. It was a difficult task for a young boy to face dangers like lions and bears, as described in 1 Samuel 17:34. It is not surprising that David wrote in Psalm 27:10, “for my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.”

Alternatively, it is plausible that David’s own actions caused his rejection. In 1 Samuel 17:26 (ESV), David asks, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” These words irritated his elder brother, Eliab, who questioned him in verse 28, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” Sometimes, the confidence and faith of a person in the midst of adversity may be perceived as arrogance or presumption rather than encouragement. David’s refusal to hide like other soldiers in 1 Samuel 17:24, including his own brother who fled in fear, angered Eliab and caused him to believe that David was prideful (having an evil, bad heart) and arrogant, as noted in 1 Samuel 17:28. Indeed, having faith and courage in the face of opposition can be misconstrued, especially when it goes against the norm. David’s behavior on the battlefield in 1 Samuel 17 may not have been an isolated incident. His determination to face the lion and the bear in 1 Samuel 17:34 could also have been driven by his courage to go against the crowd, which may have contributed to his alienation from his own family.

David’s faith was not solely developed when he faced Goliath on the spot; it was first established during a time of isolation when he was alone. Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” was not written when David was already a king. Instead, he composed this psalm while he was alone, tending to his father’s 2-3 sheep. David had learned to rely on God as his shepherd and found contentment in the Lord. He understood that with God, he had everything he needed, and he didn’t require anything else. His next statement on Ps. 23, “I shall not want” does not mean that all his needs or desires were already fulfilled, David knew that with God by his side, he had enough. The presence of God, His character, and His Word were sufficient for David, and he never felt alone because he knew God was with him.

Enemy 2: overcoming fear

The lion and the bear that David faced were indeed enemies that he had to overcome, but they are only briefly mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:34-35. David did not mention these encounters in his writings in the Psalms or other books. Therefore, while they were formidable adversaries that David had to face, they are not typically considered significant enemies in his life story.

In addition to Samson’s account in Judges 14:6, David also demonstrated his bravery by slaying a lion. David’s encounter with the ferocious animal occurred during his youth, before he famously faced Goliath. Unlike Samson, who relied on superhuman strength, David’s victory over the lion was achieved through sheer courage and perhaps faith. David appeared to have possessed a warrior’s spirit from a young age, and he refused to back down in the face of a larger and stronger opponent.

It is worth noting that the Bible mentions both the lion and the bear in the lead-up to David’s confrontation with Goliath. While Goliath towered over David at a height of 6 cubits and a span (nearly 3.25 meters), the average height of a lion is only 1-1.2 meters, and the height of a bear ranges from 70 cm to 1.5 meters. Although the Syrian Brown Bear found in the Middle East is not as large as the Polar Bear, it was still larger and taller than the lion that David had previously slain. Despite these formidable opponents, David remained undaunted and was determined to defeat Goliath, who posed an even greater threat.

The lion, bear, and Goliath all represent different forms of fear that David had to overcome. Each victory over a ferocious beast led to the next fear being escalated, but David’s faith grew in proportion. God tested David gradually, step by step, starting with the lion and then the bear before eventually facing Goliath.

David’s faith was honed through his victories over smaller adversaries, and he continued to face each challenge fearlessly, relying on God’s strength. With each triumph, David’s faith grew stronger, and he became increasingly prepared to face greater challenges.

By facing his fears one by one and relying on God, David was able to develop a deep sense of trust and confidence in himself and his abilities. His journey serves as a reminder that faith is not a one-time event but a continual process of growth and development.

When David faced Goliath on the battlefield, Goliath arrogantly declared that he will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field, 1 Samuel 17:44. However, David responded with unwavering confidence, declaring that not only would he defeat Goliath, but he would also vanquish the entire Philistine army.

David’s bold challenge revealed his unwavering faith and confidence in God’s power to deliver him from any adversary. He did not see Goliath as an insurmountable obstacle but rather as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith and courage. David believed that God was on his side and that he would emerge victorious in the battle, despite the overwhelming odds against him.

David’s unwavering conviction and faith ultimately led to his triumph over Goliath and the Philistine army. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with faith and courage, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.

When Goliath appeared on the battlefield, his imposing stature instilled great fear in the Israelite army. However, their lack of experience and equipment in warfare also contributed to their apprehension. At the time, Israel was still in the early stages of emerging from the control of the Philistines, and Saul was their first king. In fact, according to 1 Samuel 13:19-22, the Israelites were so unprepared for battle that only Saul and Jonathan had swords and javelins.

However, as time passed, and Israel became more established, their army grew in experience and strength. Eventually, David became the full king over Israel, and under his leadership, the Israelites achieved military glory. They even defeated other formidable opponents, such as the descendants of Goliath, as recorded in 2 Samuel 21:15-22.

David’s appearance in 1 Samuel 17 highlights how Israel was still a young nation, struggling to establish itself. However, David stood out among the Israelite soldiers due to his unique spirit and fearlessness. This is why God chose him, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7 and 12. Unlike Eliab, who appeared impressive but was too afraid to face Goliath, David’s heart was not filled with fear.

It is interesting to imagine what David’s brothers, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shama, thought when they saw him walking forward to face Goliath alone. Despite their doubt, David’s faith in God and his own abilities propelled him forward, demonstrating his unique character.

David’s story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that sometimes the most unexpected individuals can rise to the occasion and achieve great things through their faith, determination, and fearlessness.

Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:40. David courageously entered the battlefield armed only with his shepherd’s staff and five small, smooth stones in his pocket. Rather than relying on conventional weapons of war, David faced Goliath in the name of God. He believed and understood that victory did not come from the sword or javelin, but rather from God’s hands alone, as stated in 1 Samuel 17:47.

David’s unwavering faith in God’s power to guide and protect him in the face of great danger serves as a powerful example of how we too can draw strength from our beliefs when facing challenges. His story reminds us that true courage comes not from the weapons we carry, but from the conviction and trust we place in a higher power.

On that day, the behavior of David was incomprehensible to his three brothers, who may have wondered how they would explain later to their father about this little rascal who died on the battlefield, killed by Goliath. For Eliab, David’s behavior seemed arrogant and pretentious, as described in 1 Samuel 17:28-29. Particularly when they saw that David was advancing when everyone else was running away to hide, and he did so without any armor, sword, or javelin. David marched forward alone, holding only his shepherd staff, just as he would carry 3-4 of their father’s sheep into an open field. To his brothers, it seemed like a suicidal attitude right before their very eyes. Moreover, when David and Goliath began to face each other, they listened to David’s words, which did not sound like words of faith but rather like those of a man who did not comprehend what he was facing. Eliab, Abinadab, and Shama must have thought, “Oops, our brother is facing Goliath not with weapons, but with arrogant words.” They were probably thinking, “Look, he’s advancing alone! How reckless!“

It is interesting to note that David also tried to wear Saul’s armor, but he took it off not because it was too big, but because he had never fought before in such a suit. That’s why he decided to fight without it. (1 Samuel 17:38-39) David was apparently more accustomed to just using his shepherd’s staff and sling.

But despite facing a larger opponent like Goliath, David did not try to improve his weaponry or combat equipment. Only his faith grew stronger, as he believed that the same God, The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine too,1 Samuel 17:37. Although the problem was daunting, David’s courage did not waver; his faith had grown significantly.

Interestingly, the weapon David carried into battle was not only his shepherd’s staff but also little stones. He went to a nearby creek and selected five smooth stones that were small enough to fit in his pocket. In 1 Samuel 17:49, David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it at Goliath. He used a sling, a small leather bag or wool swab tied to a long enough rope that could be swung around and released to launch the stone. In the future, David himself would command an army of slingers. (1 Chronicle 12:2)