God Controlled, Motivated, and Guided David
September 18, 2020
Commentary
When David was brought before Israel’s monarch, Saul tried to talk him out of what appeared to be a foolish course of action (vv. 31-33). Human logic might have implied that he was embarking on a fool’s errand, but his confidence in the God of his fathers was so strong it assured him of victory. In this section of chapter 17 we find several important principles that are needed for the trials of life:
Adequate Preparation – (v. 34) David did not suddenly acquire skill in using a sling shot. Years of practice while tending his father’ sheep made him proficient in the use of this weapon. David was prepared experientially and spiritually to meet the threat of the Philistines. We need adequate preparation for our careers and a thorough knowledge in its application to life.Proper Discernment – (v. 32) When Goliath defied and taunted God’s people they were afraid because they lacked discernment. They gave no thought to the Lord and as a result they were powerless before their enemies. Just as David needed discernment in his evaluation of Goliath’s threats, so we need God’s wisdom that comes only from meditation on His Word.Inner Confidence – (vv. 33-39) In these verses we realize that David felt confident in himself and in his relationship with the Lord. When he faces Goliath he felt competent. The Spirit of God controlled, motivated, and guided David. He refused the armor of Saul and relied entirely on the Lord for success. When we face the Goliath’s in our life we can have the same confidence that David had by relying entirely on the Lord for success. If God calls us to use a slingshot we should not try to use a sword.Becoming Involved – (v. 40) Neither his brothers belittling nor Saul’s well meant counsel could turn David from the course of action he believed he should take. We need men and women in God’s army today who recognize the need to get involved and take action when they are confronted with difficulties.
Application
Am I a person of action like David and ready to get involved when challenges bigger than me come in my path? I have the confidence that the same God that David had to go before me will take care of my enemies and give victory in all areas of my life and ministry.
1 Samuel 17:31– 40 (NET)
31 When Davidâs words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him.
32 David said to Saul, âDonât let anyone be discouraged. Your servant will go and fight this Philistine!â 33 But Saul replied to David, âYou arenât able to go against this Philistine and fight him. Youâre just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth.â
34 David replied to Saul, âYour servant has been a shepherd for his fatherâs flock. Whenever a lion or bear would come and carry off a sheep from the flock, 35 I would go out after it, strike it down, and rescue the sheep from its mouth. If it rose up against me, I would grab it by its jaw, strike it, and kill it. 36 Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be just like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.â 37 David went on to say, âThe Lord who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.â Then Saul said to David, âGo! The Lord will be with you.â
38 Then Saul clothed David with his own fighting attire and put a bronze helmet on his head. He also put body armor on him. 39 David strapped on his sword over his fighting attire and tried to walk around, but he was not used to them. David said to Saul, âI canât walk in these things, for Iâm not used to them.â So David removed them. 40 He took his staff in his hand, picked out five smooth stones from the stream, placed them in the pouch of his shepherdâs bag, took his sling in hand, and approached the Philistine.