David and Goliath, is a story from the old testament in the times of King Saul. During this reign the Israelites were fighting a war against the Philistines. They took the giant Goliath to the battlefield, but God sent the beloved David to defend his people Israel from him.
David and Goliat
The biblical story of David and Goliath that happened before Christ, in the times when Israel was ruled by King Saul. It shows us that if we have God in the depths of our hearts, we can face any giant that is harassing or disturbing us in our lives. Are you facing a giant at this time of your life? Perhaps an illness, the one you had given your love for abandoned you, economic problems, problems with your children or family.
Whatever the circumstance, be the biggest giant one can imagine. God is bigger and more powerful enough than any giant. Let's keep our intimacy with him, and he will always be ahead of us in all battles. Before going to the story of David and Goliath, let's get to know each of the characters. Let's go to one of the parts of the bible to learn about this interesting story.
David soldier and king of Israel
David, the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse, an Ephraitean man from the tribe of Judah. David's birth occurred approximately in the year 1040 BC, in Judah in the city of Bethlehem. And he died at the age of 75 in Jerusalem in approximately 965 BC. As was customary in the culture of those times. The youngest of the male brothers was always relegated to carrying out shepherding and field work. His older brothers belonged to the army of King Saul
It happened that King Saul for disobedience to God in the Michmash war, Jehovah made the decision to withdraw his blessing from Saul. Giving the mission to the priest Samuel to look for his new anointed. Who would be the successor of Saul therefore the new king of Israel. God also instructed Samuel the priest to look for his new anointed in the house of Jesse the Ephrathite.
Therefore, Samuel travels to Bethlehem and entering Jesse's house he meets the seven older brothers of the Ephraitean man. In none of the seven can he see the new anointed of God. So he asks if there is no more brother missing. Jesé, one of the brothers, sends for David, the missing brother. When Samuel saw David he recognized the new anointed of God. The anointing ceremony as the future king of Israel was performed by him in the presence of Jesse and David's brothers. According to biblical descriptions, David was a blond young man with a handsome face.
Goliath Soldier of the Philistines
Goliath is a name of Philistine origin that the Hebrew language is usually given the meaning of he who wanders. This man was a soldier in the Philistine army, born in the region of Gath. The main characteristic that the bible gives him is his great size, which is why he is mentioned as the giant Goliath. So extraordinary were his measurements that they even exceed the normal height measurements of these times.
The scriptures indicate exactly a height of six cubits and a span, units of measurement used at that time. Which is equivalent to two meters and ninety centimeters (2,90 mt.). To protect such an imposing chest, a mesh of armor was required that weighed, according to the scriptures, 5 thousand shekels equivalent to 57 kilograms. The sharp blade of the giant Goliath's spear weighed 600 shekels, 6,8 kilos, 1 Samuel 17: 4-7.
Shortly after the anointing of David son of Jesse, by God's command to Samuel. The Philistines declared war on Israel. But God had already withdrawn his blessing from King Saul of the Israelites. The Philistine army camped at Efes-Damim and on the other side of the valley of Ela were the troops of King Saul. Both armies faced each other, one on each side of the valley.
Suddenly the great giant Goliath appears in front of the Philistines and challenges his adversaries. To send one of his soldiers to engage him hand-to-hand. The loser of the two would become a servant of the other nation. For 40 days Goliath remained in his challenge to Israel, during which time none of his experienced soldiers dared to accept such an unequal challenge, 1 Samuel 17: 1-11.
Story of David and Goliath
When the Philistines call the nation of Israel, ruled by King Saul, to battle. It happened that the troops of both nations met one another. With only Ela's voucher between both armies. An imposing Philistine of gigantic stature emerges from among the enemy ranks of Israel. This giant was called Goliath and he makes himself heard with a resounding voice towards the Israelites. He then issues his challenge to Israel to send a soldier to fight him face to face. For forty days Goliath paced back and forth, mocking the terrified Israel and equally mocking his God.
On the other side was King Saul, already deprived of God's anointing for being disobedient. Both the king and his troops were all very scared without daring to do anything. While all this was happening, Jesse sent his youngest son David, already anointed by God, to the Valley of Ela. David's father wanted to hear from his three older sons who were on the battlefield. So he asked David to bring him news of his brothers.
David the new anointed of God
When David arrives at the valley of Elah he hears the thunderous voice of the giant Goliath, mocking his God. As David was aware of the power of the God of him, and that God was with him since he had anointed him. He goes to where King Saul was and offers himself as a soldier to face Goliath.
David manages to convince King Saul, and he lets him go face the giant Goliath. There was no armor that could fit him, as they were all too big and heavy for his diminutive measurements. The young and small blonde anointed by God, decides to go to face the giant Goliath with only one wave and five stones. He starts his way in search of the impatient and violent Goliath. When Goliath manages to see David coming to meet him without armor, he scoffs in a big way.
But then David replies that he came to the fight in the name of the Lord God of hosts. He then placed one of the stones in the wave, aimed it at the giant Goliath's head and fired. The stone impacted heavily on the forehead of the giant Goliath, who fell dead in a sudden death. Later David took Goliath's heavy sword and beheaded the great giant.
When the Philistine troops saw this amazing scene, they immediately took flight and fled from the battlefield. Israel was victorious against all odds at the hands of a small young man. Whose value and courage was his faith to believe in the great power of Jehovah his God.
1 Samuel Chapter 17
In chapter 17 of the first book of Samuel you can find the story of David and Goliath. Narrated as the events of this shocking struggle took place, charged with great faith and trust in God.
- Goliath yells at the army of Israel to pick a man to fight him. But no one wanted to fight the giant. Who challenged every morning and every night for 40 days. Israel was afraid to fight. (1 Samuel 17:1–11)
- Jesse sends food with David to his brothers, as a pretext to find out about them. (1 Samuel 17:11-22)
- David sees the giant and hears how he shouted at them, seeing that the men were afraid of him. (1 Samuel 17:23-25)
- God's anointed, knowing that Jehovah would help him, offers to fight with five stones and his sling to fight Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:26-40)
- The stone thrown by David kills Goliath and gains victory (1 Samuel 17:41-50)
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