The Whole Story
This week, we come to one of the most iconic narratives in Scripture.
This is a true story that speaks to God’s sovereignty, the
power of a savior to act on behalf of His people, and God’s ability to use the
unexpected for His glory. In these chapters, we are introduced to David, the young
shepherd boy who would become Israel’s greatest king, and set the stage for his
dramatic confrontation with Goliath, the giant champion of the Philistines. It's the story we all know well.
If you could ask David one question, what would you ask him?
In 1 Samuel 16, we read about the Lord’s
rejection of Saul as king and the divine anointing of another named - David. The prophet Samuel
is sent to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons. Surprisingly, God chooses
not the eldest or the most impressive looking of Jesse’s sons but David, the
youngest, who is out tending the sheep. This moment reminds us of God’s words
to Samuel: “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). God’s choice of
David as king is in keeping with His pattern of choosing unlikely individuals
to fulfill His purposes. Like Abraham, who was too old to be used, or Moses, who couldn’t speak well, we are introduced to David, an unlikely
candidate to do great things for the glory of God.
In chapter 17, the narrative shifts
dramatically to the battlefield. The Philistines have challenged Israel with their
formidable warrior, Goliath, whose size and arrogance intimidate the entire
Israelite army. Yet, it is David, still a boy, armed with nothing but faith, a
sling, and five smooth stones, who steps forward to confront the giant. His
victory over Goliath not only delivers Israel but also highlights a profound
spiritual truth: God always acts for the deliverance and salvation of His
people, and sometimes He does so in the most unlikely ways.
As we delve into these passages this week, we are invited to reflect on God’s willingness to save His people but we should see even more. The victory of David points us to another victory in the Bible, the triumph of Jesus. Like David, Jesus came from humble beginnings. Like David, Jesus was not impressive in the world’s eyes. Like David, Jesus stepped up to fight the enemies that oppressed the people of God. Like David, Jesus did what we could not do for ourselves.
JESUS IS HERE, even as David takes on Goliath -
do you see Him?
Read 1 Samuel 16-17 and make observations
about the text.
- What is God teaching us in the passage?
- What does this reveal about who God is, what God has done, and how I should respond?
- Which part of the text was most meaningful to you and why?
- What do you need help understanding about this passage?
Focal Passage:
1 Samuel 17:48-58
48 When the Philistine arose and came and
drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the
Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung
it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead,
and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the
Philistine with a sling and with a stone and struck the Philistine and killed
him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over
the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him
and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was
dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and
pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the
wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. 53 And
the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered
their camp. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to
Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent. 55 As soon as Saul saw David go
out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army,
“Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king,
I do not know.” 56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.” 57 And as
soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him
and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And
Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the
son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 1 Samuel 17:
48-58
We all face giants in our lives — challenges
that seem overwhelming or impossible. What's a 'giant' you're facing right now,
and how is it affecting your relationship with God and others?
How did the Israelites' view of Goliath
differ from David's view?
How did David's past experiences with God's
faithfulness prepare him for this moment?
What similarities do you see between David's
battle with Goliath and Jesus' battle against sin and death?
In 1 Samuel 16-17, we see obedience displayed
in multiple ways that demonstrate its centrality to walking with God. Samuel
shows obedience when he follows God's instructions to anoint David despite his
fear of Saul's reprisal. David exhibits obedience by faithfully tending his
father's sheep in obscurity before his anointing, and later by delivering
provisions to his brothers as instructed. Most notably, David's obedience
shines when he steps forward to face Goliath while everyone else retreats in
fear. His obedience flows from a heart that trusts God's faithfulness based on
past experiences with the lion and bear. David obeys not through reckless
confidence but through faith-filled courage, refusing the conventional armor of
Saul and instead relying on God's provision. Throughout these chapters,
obedience isn't presented as mere rule-following but as a wholehearted response
to God that flows from knowing His character. In what specific area of your
life is God calling you to step forward in obedience today, even when it seems
risky or goes against conventional wisdom?
END
Teacher Notes:
