The story of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17, is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. It depicts the young David, who would later become king of Israel, defeating the giant Philistine warrior Goliath with just a sling and stone. This story serves as an inspirational tale of faith and courage triumphing over what seems to be impossible odds. When examining this narrative more closely, we can extract several valuable lessons that remain applicable today.
Trust in God’s Power, Not Worldly Strength
The story sets up a clear contrast between the sheer size and military might of Goliath against the inexperience and vulnerability of David. Goliath is described as “six cubits and a span” tall, which would be over 9 feet tall (1 Samuel 17:4 ESV). He wore heavy bronze armor, carried massive weapons, and was a trained warrior. David was just a youth with no armor or sword, only carrying a staff, sling, and five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40). However, David did not fear Goliath because he trusted not in his own abilities but in the power of God Almighty to deliver him. This teaches us that it is not worldly standards of power, wealth, status, strength or numbers that matter, but faith in God’s supreme authority over all earthly forces. When we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we must rely on the Lord’s sovereign power to overcome, not depend on our own limited capabilities.
Before going to face Goliath, David told King Saul “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” (1 Samuel 17:37). Just as God had helped David defeat dangerous lions and bears while protecting his flock, the Lord would help him defeat Goliath. David looked past outward appearances and put his confidence in how God could use him despite human weakness. We too must remember that with God, all things are possible (Luke 1:37). There is no problem or foe too great for the Almighty’s help, if we humbly seek Him in faith.
Courage to Answer God’s Call
When Goliath issued his challenge to the Israelites for a one-on-one duel, they were terrified and no one stepped up (1 Samuel 17:10-11, 24). But David took courage and volunteered to face the giant, even when others doubted him and said he was too inexperienced (1 Samuel 17:32-33). Where did he find this courage? David displayed courage because he stepped up to fulfil God’s calling and purpose for his life. He confided to Saul earlier, “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” (1 Samuel 17:36). David knew that Goliath had dishonored God’s name, and was moved to act on God’s behalf with boldness.
The story reminds us that fulfilling God’s purposes requires courage to follow His calling, even when it seems unreasonable or dangerous by human standards. We may face skepticism and resistance from others. Like David, we can have confidence that God equips those He calls. As we step out in faith, God will strengthen us by His Spirit to complete His work and walk in our identity as His children. When we answer God’s call, He promises to be with us and work through us powerfully.
Dependence on God, Not Man’s Approval
David’s oldest brother Eliab questioned his motives for coming to see the battle in 1 Samuel 17:28, accusing David of pride and neglecting his duties. But David did not allow this to upset or discourage him from following what he knew was God’s purpose. He insisted on seeing Saul because he was determined to carry out the Lord’s will, not to win human praise or approval (1 Samuel 17:29-30). David’s primary motivation was honoring God, not elevating himself.
Eliab’s criticism reminds us that even when acting for godly reasons, we may still face reproach and false accusation from others. But like David, we should not become bitter or discouraged when misunderstood or mistreated. What matters is living wholeheartedly unto the Lord, regardless of what people think of us. God knows our hearts and will vindicate us as we fix our eyes on pleasing Him above all else.
God Looks at the Heart, Not Outward Appearance
One of the most powerful lessons from this account is that God looks beyond surface appearances to the heart. When Samuel was sent to anoint a new king to replace Saul, he looked at David’s older brothers and was poised to select one of them – they seemed qualified based on physical stature and maturity (1 Samuel 16:6-7). But the Lord redirected Samuel, saying “…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). God then chose David, commending his heart and character. The story perfectly illustrates this principle – physically, David seemed completely overmatched. But God saw the faith, courage, and humility that drove David’s heart to rely fully on Him.
We often make snap judgments based on what we can physically see in people – appearance, position, wealth, and so forth. But God reminds us that only He can see the inner essence of a person. We should learn to evaluate others (and ourselves) based on character and faithfulness to God’s standards, not get caught up in external traits. A humble heart committed to God is of far greater worth in His eyes than any worldly qualifications.
God Opens Doors to Share the Gospel
Though Saul tried to weigh down David with his own armor, David knew this would only hinder him (1 Samuel 17:38-39). He chose instead his simple sling, through which God would gain victory. After striking down Goliath, David used Goliath’s own sword to finish him off (1 Samuel 17:50-51). In the same way, God opens doors for us to share His truth using whatever abilities and opportunities He provides, rather than trying to serve Him through human methods not suited for us. Sometimes those doors come in surprising packages, as David faced a literal giant that led to sharing God with Israel and the Philistines!
When David called on the Israelite army to pursue the fleeing Philistines, he testified that “all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46). God orchestrated David’s confrontation with a formidable enemy as an opportunity to reveal His glory and power, that many would come to know Him. As we follow God’s direction, we too should look for open doors to make Jesus known however possible, whether through mighty acts or simple deeds done in faith.
Childlike Dependence and Humility
David’s youth and inexperience enabled him to approach the battle with childlike faith, rather than become paralyzed by fear like the seasoned warriors. Jesus said we must all exhibit similar humble, trusting dependence to enter God’s Kingdom: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mark 10:15). Though naïve by worldly standards, David’s guileless courage reflects how God chooses those the world considers weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
David also showed humility by giving credit where it was due. To Goliath he declared, “I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV). After the victory, David maintained that the purpose was for “all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46), not to establish himself. As God’s servants, we must remember that victory comes from Him, not ourselves. The Lord calls us to nurture childlike surrender to His will, not prideful self-dependence.
Obedience in Small Things Prepares Us for Greater Works
David’s preparation for the epic showdown with Goliath started long before, as he faithfully tended his father’s sheep. Through quiet nights watching over the flock and days protecting them from lions and bears, David learned to trust God and honed skills with his sling. Had David been unfaithful with those humble responsibilities, he would not have been ready when called to the greater task of defeating Goliath on the grand stage.
In the same way, God often prepares us for greater purposes through small, unseen acts of obedience over time. If we are faithful in the “little” callings of our daily lives, God will open bigger doors to serve His Kingdom. Practicing dependence on God in quiet seasons grows our capacity to trust Him when faced with greater challenges. He takes delight in using the faithful in humble tasks to accomplish His mighty purposes.
God Can Use Anything Placed in His Hands
With Goliath bearing down on him, David did not reach for a standard military weapon like a sword or spear. He simply used what he already had – a sling. Yet God empowered him to wield it effectively, such that the giants armor and might could not withstand one smooth stone. When David gave over his humble sling and stone to the Lord’s purposes, God used it to take down a formidable enemy.
This reminds us that with faith, God can transform anything placed into His hands for His glory. Some items we may discount as being “too small” can become powerful tools when yielded to Him. We should never neglect opportunities to serve God just because we lack conventional resources considered “important” in the world’s eyes. A willing heart is far more important. Our role is simply to make ourselves and all we have available to the Lord as an act of worship. He delights in using humble means to reveal His greatness.
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
One of the most important themes in this narrative is that victory belongs to God, not man. Though David gained fame for conquering Goliath, David himself is quick to give all glory to God throughout the story. He tells Goliath “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). To Saul he maintains, “the Lord…will deliver me,” despite impossible odds (1 Samuel 17:37). David’ssmooth stones represented placing his complete trust in God as his defense, not military ability or weapons.
No matter how strong the enemy or hopeless a situation seems, believers must remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. When we trust in ourselves and do not acknowledge God, we falter. But when we wholly rely on the Lord for strength and deliverance, He paves the way to victory. All triumph is from Him, so we must lift our eyes to see God’s hand at work. The battle is His, we need only obediently follow.
God Does Not Depend on Outward Appearance
God choosing David, the youngest son tending sheep, as the next king vividly demonstrates 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. Worldly standards would dictate picking Jesse’s firstborn, who looked fit for a king in physical stature and maturity. But God looks beyond the surface to the heart. He saw David as “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22), focused on character over appearance. Jesus reminded us of this principle through images like a cup’s outward cleanliness meaning little if inside it remains filthy, and whitewashed tombs hiding corruption beneath a pleasant exterior (Luke 11:39, Matthew 23:27).
We must refrain from quick judgments based on what our eyes see. Appearances can deceive – seemingly impressive people may conceal evil hearts, while the downtrodden or “foolish” by worldly norms may overflow with godly wisdom and integrity. As Samuel learned, we should not presume to know who God will use powerfully for His work. The Lord reminds us to judge by the fruit of a person’s life and character rather than outward factors.
Defeat Does Not Mean Deliverance is Impossible
Israel suffered under Philistine oppression for forty days as Goliath taunted them (1 Samuel 17:16). From a human perspective, Goliath’s challenge seemed impossible to answer after such long humiliation. But David looked past prior defeat to see God could still bring victory. Despite overwhelming odds, he believed God would help him overcome their tormentor. And the Lord honored David’s faith with a miracle.
When we face long trials that make victory seem out of reach, David’s story inspires persevering trust. Having suffered under the weight of problems in the past does not mean God cannot bring amazing deliverance in His timing. We must press on in faith, refusing to accept defeat as final. What may appear impossible through human eyes remains possible for God. If He could use a shepherd boy to defeat a seasoned warrior, He can help us overcome any obstacle or enemy.
Small Acts of Courage Can Have Great Impact
David was still tending sheep when summoned to the battlefield where an entire army quaked in fear. His visit to his brothers seemed inconsequential, as did arriving without traditional weapons or armor. But offering to face Goliath took great courage, however small it appeared. In doing so, David ended up changing the tide of an entire war. His simple act of bravery gave Israel victory and launched his path to becoming king.
We may underestimate how God can work through us when we courageously step out in faith, however insignificant it seems. Small acts of obedience make a difference. David’s humble example reminds us not to despise modest beginnings or feel our contribution is worthless. Every courageous act of service matters when done for God’s glory. He weaves together the threads of many quiet acts of faith to create a beautiful tapestry that testifies of His greatness.
God Honors Those Who Honor Him
David stands as one of Scripture’s greatest examples of sold-out commitment to honoring God above all else. From this account, David’s boldness springs not from pride but deep desire for God’s name to be revered. Again and again David proclaims the purpose is God’s glory, whether in facing Goliath or pursuing the Philistines later. He refuses to compromise devotion to the Lord’s purposes, whether through peer pressure from Eliab or burdensome armor from Saul.
David honors God with his whole heart, and the Lord in turn honors David mightily. He authorizes this one act to define David’s life and trajectory, as Israel’s deliverer and future king. When we unreservedly honor God, He will honor our brief days on Earth as well. Our highest purpose is bringing glory and praise to the Lord through every thought, word and deed. As David displays, when this consumes our hearts God can work powerfully through yielded lives.
Conclusion
The account of David and Goliath reminds us that with childlike, humble faith, God can use the simple or weak to accomplish great things. When we trust in the Lord’s strength rather than our own, courageously follow His calling, and seek to honor Him above all else, nothing is impossible. Though the world measures by outward shows of power, God sees the heart and works mightily through those committed to His purposes. May this story inspire us to face life’s giants through faith in the One who holds eternity in His hand.
