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More I Samuel commentaries

I Samuel 14:1-15
Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

I Samuel 14:16-30
Saul’s Rash Oath

I Samuel 14:31-52
Jonathan is Rescued by the Troops

I Samuel 15:1-15
Saul’s Rebellion Concerning Agag

I Samuel 15:16-35
Saul Pleads for Forgiveness

I Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel Goes to Bethlehem

I Samuel 16:14-23
David anointed the new King

I Samuel 17:1-11
Goliath Challenges the Israelites

I Samuel 17:12-30
David sees a Mortal man defying God

I Samuel 17:31-40
God Controlled, Motivated, and Guided David

I Samuel 17:48-58
David Kills Goliath

I Samuel 18:1-16
Jonathan and David make a Covenant

I Samuel 18:17-30
David Marries Michael - Saul’s Sister

I Samuel 19:1-24
Saul tries to Kill David and Michal saves him

I Samuel 20:1-23
David and Jonathan’s Covenant to each other

I Samuel 20:24-42
Saul is Angry with Jonathan

God Controlled, Motivated, and Guided David

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I Samuel 17:31–40
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Over confidence, coupled with negligence, can lead to sad consequences. This is the case when a person is so sure of himself that he becomes careless about little things that may pose a threat. I’m thinking, for example, of a stuntman named Bobby Leach. In July, 1911, he went ove … More

Confidence

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.

I Samuel 17:31-40 (English Standard Version)

When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. And David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God." And David said, "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." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!" Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." So David put them off. Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »

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