The story that grabbed me, shook me, and would not let me loose today came from the book of I Samuel in the Bible: the story of David and Goliath. This story is so easy to skip over that a lot of people miss it. I'd like you to read and experience 1 Samuel 17:1-3 NIV, which sets the stage:
“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammin, between Socoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in theValley of Elah
When I was a boy, I made guns or swords out of every stick I came across. Since guns in my home were outlawed, I used my fingers, twigs, and tools and let my imagination run wild. I imagined that cowboys and Indians roamed the streets and lived in the bushes ready to attack. I envisioned that the cavalry that might someday rescue me was really not that far away.
It is because of this hunger for adventure and heroism that when I read 1 Samuel 17, I can feel the thunder of hooves as the horses draw near. I can hear the shouts of men, the barks of orders, the excitement of being at the brink of war. I can see the columns of men and horses and carts and all the other implements of warfare. I can hear the rumor spreading through the land that the Philistines are coming as residents look to the distant cloud of dust to confirm the news.
Can you see the dust in the high hills? Can you smell the adrenaline of man and beast? Can you taste the dust of centuries of battle? Can you hear the echo of war cries? Can you see the carts loaded with food and provisions? Can you smell the horses, the food cooking, and the sweat from hard work? Can you feel the unspoken fears of the men?
Do you feel like you are there?
Excitement hung in the air. The Philistines had swords, horses, carts, and food; everything they needed for war. The Israelites also had swords, horses, carts, and food; everything they needed for war. The stage was set, everything was ready. Let's continue with 1 Samuel 17:4-5:
“A champion named Goliath, who was fromGath
“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammin, between Socoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the
When I was a boy, I made guns or swords out of every stick I came across. Since guns in my home were outlawed, I used my fingers, twigs, and tools and let my imagination run wild. I imagined that cowboys and Indians roamed the streets and lived in the bushes ready to attack. I envisioned that the cavalry that might someday rescue me was really not that far away.
It is because of this hunger for adventure and heroism that when I read 1 Samuel 17, I can feel the thunder of hooves as the horses draw near. I can hear the shouts of men, the barks of orders, the excitement of being at the brink of war. I can see the columns of men and horses and carts and all the other implements of warfare. I can hear the rumor spreading through the land that the Philistines are coming as residents look to the distant cloud of dust to confirm the news.
Can you see the dust in the high hills? Can you smell the adrenaline of man and beast? Can you taste the dust of centuries of battle? Can you hear the echo of war cries? Can you see the carts loaded with food and provisions? Can you smell the horses, the food cooking, and the sweat from hard work? Can you feel the unspoken fears of the men?
Do you feel like you are there?
Excitement hung in the air. The Philistines had swords, horses, carts, and food; everything they needed for war. The Israelites also had swords, horses, carts, and food; everything they needed for war. The stage was set, everything was ready. Let's continue with 1 Samuel 17:4-5:
“A champion named Goliath, who was from
These verses have an understated elegance. This champion named Goliath was over nine feet tall! Now that'll get your attention. It sure got mine. But you are probably saying that you knew this story already. You’re hoping that I might tell you something you don’t already know, right? Okay, let's review. The Philistines are well-equipped and the Israelites are well-equipped. The Philistines are well-trained and the Israelites are well-trained.
But there’s just one thing: Although each of these armies is ready, equipped, and trained, one of them has trusted in a giant made of flesh and blood while the other has trusted a king who has lost the right to lead.
But there’s just one thing: Although each of these armies is ready, equipped, and trained, one of them has trusted in a giant made of flesh and blood while the other has trusted a king who has lost the right to lead.
Tune in tomorrow for Part Two of this important story!
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