1 Samuel 17:1-27
When Goliath (giant) stepped forward to taunt Israel, four verses describe his size and weapons. He called for a representative battle: “…‘I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.’” (10). When Saul and his soldiers heard this, “…they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” (11b). Because David had three brothers in the army, his father sent him with provisions and to bring back a report on how his sons were doing. When David arrived, he also heard the taunt of Goliath, but saw it differently. Speaking to those near him David said, “…’What will 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 taunt the armies of the living God?’” (26b, c). The anointing of the Holy Spirit enabled David to see God and this situation differently than the rest! The anointing left Saul so he and his followers were paralyzed by fear. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit so our perspective is reflective of God’s greatness, our concern is for His Name, and we are not intimidated by the giants rising up in our time.
