Tag: 1 Samuel 17:48-49
Day 2–Courage Runs to Danger
Scripture reading for February 24: 1 Samuel 17:48-49 “When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.”
The story of the young shepherd boy David facing the Philistine warrior giant has always captured my imagination. I was smaller and often picked on. My mom told me this story and I could picture this battle in my mind every time. David came out to visit his brothers and bring them food and supplies as they served in the Israelite army. There was a standoff for forty days as Goliath the giant taunted the Israelites to send out a man to fight him. King Saul was a bigger man himself, standing head and shoulders above his fellow Israelites, but fear gripped all the fighting men and not one offered to fight the giant.
David saw the situation and inquired about the reward for taking on the giant. He was mocked by his brothers, but Saul offered David his armor. David tried it on, but decided to use his trusty sling and some smooth stones. They faced one another with the opposing armies watching with apprehension. How could a young shepherd boy defeat a seasoned warrior? David stated his goal, bringing down Goliath and removing his head. He ran to the task, sling loaded and made ready, Goliath laughing. One stone and the giant fell to the ground. David took Goliath’s sword and finished him off.
Every incident that we are called to respond to must be faced with courage and faith. David knew that God was with Him and has taught him to use his sling to face down bears and lions. Our past experience of success and ability to step up and run to danger should help us more each time. God will prove faithful to teach us how to use what we have to defeat the largest giant or mocking enemy.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for running to the danger of death on a cross to purchase my freedom from fear of death or defeat. Gird me with Your courage to face each incident as David did when he ran to meet Goliath in confidence of God giving strength and victory. Amen.