David & Goliath, Part 1| **1 Samuel 17:1-24
The Life & Times of King David | Dr. Randy White**

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The Challenge of the Philistine Champion (1 Samuel 17:1-11)

In 1 Samuel 17:1, the Philistines, Israel's long-standing foes, prepare for battle at Shochoh, an Israelite territory between two significant towns, Shochoh and Azekah. This strategic positioning underlines their intent to invade Israelite land, marking a critical moment in Israel's history.

In 1 Samuel 17:2, Saul and the Israelites prepare for battle in the valley of Elah, a fertile valley near the Philistine territory. The careful preparation of their forces underscores the seriousness of the situation.

Verses 4-7 describe Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion. His enormous size, powerful armor, and deadly weaponry highlight the formidable challenge facing the Israelites.

In 1 Samuel 17:8, Goliath taunts the Israelites, positioning himself as the representative of Philistine military might and mocking the Israelites as Saul's servants. This statement sets the stage for David to accept Goliath's challenge, leading to an iconic biblical battle.

1 Samuel 17:9 outlines Goliath's proposed terms for the duel, where the outcome would determine the victor of the conflict, a common practice in ancient warfare. This high-stakes confrontation has significant implications.

1 Samuel 17:10 presents Goliath's provocative challenge to the Israelites. His contemptuous language aims to intimidate and demoralize the Israelite army and sets up the central conflict for the young hero, David.

1 Samuel 17:11 depicts the Israelite army's fearful reaction to Goliath's taunts, emphasizing the desperate situation and setting the stage for David's act of courage and faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

David's Arrival and Concern for the Battle (1 Samuel 17:12-24)

David Introduced To The Story (vv. 12-15)

Verse 12 explains David's family background and upbringing in Bethlehem, known as Ephrathah in biblical texts. His father, Jesse, is an esteemed figure in Bethlehem during King Saul's reign.

Verse 13 introduces Jesse's three oldest sons, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, who join Saul's army against the Philistines, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the Israelite families' sense of duty.

Verse 14 distinguishes David from his brothers, emphasizing his non-involvement in the military campaign due to his youth.

Finally, verse 15 reveals David's responsibility of tending to his father's sheep in Bethlehem after serving Saul temporarily, marking his return to shepherding after his brothers have joined the battle.

David’s Arrival (vv. 16-19)

Verse 16 sets the stage for David's encounter with the Philistines, introducing a 40-day period of waiting and preparation.

The number 40 in the Bible often symbolizes testing or change. It appears in several key events:

· The Flood: It rained for 40 days and nights, purifying the earth (Genesis 7:12, 7:17).

· Moses' Leadership: Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:18, 34:28).

· Israel's Wanderings: The Israelites wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33-34).

· Elijah's Journey: Elijah journeyed for 40 days to Mount Horeb, encountering God (1 Kings 19:8).

In David and Goliath's story, the 40-day standoff between the Israelites and Philistines tests both sides' faith and resolve. This period anticipates the extraordinary events to follow, including David's confrontation with Goliath.

Verses 17-18 describe David delivering supplies to his brothers, indicating both practical support and encouragement. The mention of a 'captain of thousand' suggests a large army. In verse 19, 'fighting with the Philistines' means 'at war with the Philistines,' though combat hadn't started.

David’s Inquiry - (vv. 20-24)

In 1 Samuel 17:20, David arrives at the Israelite camp just as they prepare for battle against the Philistines, highlighting the significance of his role in the upcoming events.

The description of "the trench" likely refers to a defensive barrier, and David's arrival at this key moment foreshadows his crucial contribution to the forthcoming turn of events. His courage and faith will lead him to challenge Goliath, transforming this into a remarkable biblical episode.

Verse 21 reveals that both armies had prepared for a conventional battle, escalating the narrative tension. This verse sets the stage for David's intervention, adding an element of surprise and uncertainty.

Arriving with his "carriage" of supplies in 1 Samuel 17:22, David greets his brothers on the battlefield. Despite his courage and readiness to fight, the tension between David and his elder brothers is clear.

The narrative continues with the standoff between the two armies in verses 23-24, with David's presence adding intrigue to the high-stakes confrontation.

Conclusion

The story begins with the Israelites and Philistines preparing for battle in the valley of Elah, where Goliath's taunts instill fear in the Israelites, including King Saul. The tide turns with the arrival of the shepherd boy David, whose faith and courage starkly contrast with the others. He confidently challenges Goliath, setting the scene for an unexpected confrontation - not of armies, but of a boy and a giant. The ensuing events show that victory belongs to the Lord, as David's courage and faith overcome Goliath's arrogance and power. This tale becomes a timeless testament to trust in God's strength over man's, as a surprising victory is won through apparent foolishness and weakness.