1 Samuel 17:38-51 Overcoming Your Giants September 10, 2023

1 Samuel 17 Verses 38 to 51 Overcoming Your Giants September 10, 2023 Class Presentation Notes A

Background Scriptures:

· Ephesians 6:11 (NASB) 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

· 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NASB) 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Main Idea: There is never a victory unless you participate in the battle.

The Life Question: How can I experience God’s power in difficult times?

The Biblical Truth: God gives His people strength so they can stand boldly for Him.

Create Interest:

· We all have some giants. We all have some giant-sized problems, some king-sized problems, some ugly and some cruel giants that have threatened us and threatened our loved ones, Goliath-like problems. And many people who are listening to me tonight are living lives of quiet desperation because of some problem in their life. The giants of temptation, giants of fear, giants of jealousy, giants of covertness, discouragement, heartbreak, financial reverse—problems, real problems: that’s what we’re talking about. God’s plan for His people is victory—always and in every circumstance. “Thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14) And “in all these things we are more than conquerors”—super-conquerors—“through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)[1]

Lesson in Historical Context:

· When God instructed Samuel to find the successor to Saul, Samuel anointed David and Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.

o 1 Samuel 16:13-14 (NASB) 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him.

· David soon became the solution to Saul’s challenge by playing the harp for him during his troubled times, traveling back and forth between Saul and his shepherding duties near Bethlehem.

· We would note in Chapter 17 that the Philistines had gathered for battle near Bethlehem and were challenging the Israelites to put up their best fighter against Goliath in a winner take all one-on-one Amortal combat.

Let’s pause for a moment and look back at why the Israelites are in this predicament in the first place.

· First Samuel 17 is not our first encounter with the Philistines. As the reader will recall, the Philistines were a group of people living in the promised land of Canaan. God had given Israel orders to drive all of them out so they could have the land themselves. That was generations ago, and Israel still had not succeeded in driving the Philistines out.

· One reason Israel had yet to drive the Philistines out is that, from the perspective of the Israelites, the Philistines were strong. They were technologically advanced. They were one of the first civilizations to work with bronze and iron, and they used those metals to make their weapons—hence the repeated mention of all of Goliath’s bronze weaponry. Because of their military might, they controlled Gezer, Megiddo, and Hazor, three major cities along the most popular trade route in the world, called the “way by the sea” or the via maris. We might compare that to controlling all the commerce in New York, Washington, DC, and Miami.

· But from a different perspective—a more appropriate view—the Israelites’ failure to drive the Philistines out was ultimately a result of their disobedience. Had they truly believed God and fought the Philistines as God intended, Hewould have driven them out. None of the Philistine prowess cowed God in the least. His promise—to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan so Israel might live in the land in peace (Exod 33:1–2)—was still valid, but Israel never fully believed it. That promise is the backbone of this story.[2]

Now let’s get back to David and his story

· David had taken supplies to the front line, watched his older brothers take the “lip” from Goliath against Yahweh and watched them and the Israelites cower in fear as the 9ft. 9in. tall moron did his best to draw out a fighter.

· The Philistines lived along the sea plain in southwest Palestine. In fact, the name Palestine comes from their name. They were the primary foes of Israel during the time of Samson (Judg. 13–16).

o The Philistines defeated Israel and took the ark of the covenant during Eli’s time (1 Sam. 4:1–18).

o Samuel fought them and defeated them (7:5–11).

o Saul constantly battled them, and they finally killed him (chaps. 13–14; 17; 31).

o On the occasion described in 1 Samuel 17, the two armies faced each other across the valley of Elah, only a few miles from Bethlehem.

· Goliath was a Philistine from the city of Gath. He went out from his side of the valley as a champion. This title translates a phrase (“man between the two”) found only here in the Old Testament. It “apparently refers to an individual who fought to the death in representative combat with an opponent from a foreign army.” Goliath was a huge man. His height was six cubits and a span. The Masoretic Text has "six cubits and a span" (9ft. 9” approx.. ... The armor weighed 126 pounds and the spearhead weighed 15 pounds. Only a big, strong man could handle such weight. Goliath was literally a giant.

o In Goliath’s day battles were usually hand-to-hand combat. This giant was a prized member of an army. In fact, he was an army of one. The Philistines felt fortunate to have such a man as Goliath as their champion.[3]

· David’s courage and outrage against the blasphemies of Goliath were reported to King Saul (v. 31). After forty days, and having no one else with the courage to step forward, Saul wanted to talk with this young man who was showing such bold anger against the defiance of Goliath. Thus, Saul summoned David to the royal command quarters.

o Standing before Saul, David demonstrated a strong confidence, declaring that the army should not lose heart, not let their hearts fail them. He personally would go and fight Goliath.

o Instantly, Saul rejected David’s offer, exclaiming that he was only a boy caught up in the youthful idealism and excitement of warfare (v. 33). His engaging in hand-to-hand combat was an impossibility, for Goliath was a trained, experienced soldier and he only a shepherd boy.

o David was gripped by a determination, apparently from the Lord: he humbly but strongly argued that he had the very experience that could defeat Goliath (vv. 34–35).

§ True, he was only a shepherd, but he had already been engaged in mortal combat: he had faced bears and lions.

§ When a lion or bear caught and carried off a sheep, he had pursued the creature. With only a club in his hand, he would snatch the lamb from the mouth of the creature. And if the animal turned on him, he would seize its hair and club it to death.

· But even more important than his combat experience with bears and lions, David boldly declared his confidence and trust in God.

o With God’s help, fighting the unbelieving Goliath would be no more dangerous than fighting the lion or the bear (vv. 36–37).

o The Living Godwould make it so, for Goliath had defied both the Living God and His armies. Just as the Lord had delivered him from the paws of the lion and bear, He would deliver him from the hand of Goliath (v. 37).

§ The Lord had the power to deliver him, and he was convinced that the Lord would infuse His power into him. He would be empowered to defeat Goliath. This was the strong trust and faith David had in the Living God.

· Seeing David’s bold determination and hearing of his courageous experiences against the ferocious beasts of the wilderness, Saul finally agreed to let him go to fight Goliath. In sharing his decision with David, he uttered in Verse 37 "Go, and may the LORD be with you." a brief blessing that no doubt was also intended to be a prayer, asking the Lord to be with the young shepherd boy.

Bible Study:

1 Samuel 17:38-40 (NASB) 38 Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. 39 David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." And David took them off. 40 He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

· Note that Saul demonstrated a trust in the armor of men: he gave David his armor and sword. But David felt uncomfortable, burdened down because he was not used to wearing such heavy protective armor because he was not accustomed to it, and instead prepared his own sling and stones for battle (vv. 38–40).

o David went into the battle in his regular clothes. He carried his staff. He also had his sling. He also had a scrip (a “shepherd’s bag,” NIV). As he headed toward Goliath, David selected five smooth stones out of the brook.

o He put these stones in his bag. Of course, David had resources unseen to the eyes of humans. His trust was not in weapons of war, not even in the sling and stones; his trust was in the Lord.[4]

· David’s faith, his trust in God, is a dynamic example for us. David’s trust challenges us to trust God who has the power to deliver us from all enemies. No matter who or what the enemy is, God can and will deliver us. But we must trust God, have faith in him. If we believe in God and trust God to empower us, He will infuse His power within us.

o God will strengthen us to withstand and conquer any trial or temptation. But we must always remember that belief—trusting God—is an absolute essential.[5]

· Like Jonathan (14:6), David was not afraid to go against seemingly impossible odds, knowing that the Lord was with him. His trust was not in his own bravery, skill, or self-esteem, but in the Lord. Saul finally agreed and wishes David well (v. 37b

Listen to what God shares with us as we dig into this important lesson:

· Ephesians 6:12-17 (NASB) 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Let’s pause here and discuss the full armor of God available to us as we have just read. How do you think the verses apply to you? Explain.

1 Samuel 17:41-47 (NASB) 41 Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. 42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. 43 The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field." 45 Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORDof hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 "This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'Sand He will give you into our hands."

· David went alone to the field of combat, where Goliath immediately approaches him. Before battle each man taunts the other. Goliath, full of self-confidence, curses David and, by implication, the Lord whom David represents (vv. 41–44). “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed” (Ps. 2:2). This is not merely a contest between two men; it is cosmic combat between the gods of the Philistines and the Lord God of Israel.

· Goliath should have bowed down before David, the anointed one of the only God.

o Instead, Goliath’s arrogance invites God’s holy wrath, for God is “opposed to the proud” (James 4:6).

o “You [God] shall break them with a rod of iron, you shall shatter them like earthenware” (Ps. 2:9).

· David also spoke boldly, with full confidence in the Lord. He clearly defined what was at stake.

o “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted” (v. 45).

§ David knows that he is an instrument of God’s judgment against an antichrist, and he expresses certainty that the Lord will give him victory (v. 46).

§ David intends this battle to be a lesson to those fearful, unbelieving men in Israel: “that all this assembly may know that the Lorddoes not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands” (v. 47).[6]

1 Samuel 17:48-51 (NASB) 48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. 50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David's hand. 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.

· The conflict reached a climax as words ceased and both parties moved toward one another for battle. David was clearly the more dynamic combatant, whereas as Goliath merely “walked” (Hb. hālak; v. 48), David “ran quickly” (lit., “hastened and ran”) to meet him.

· David’s weapon of choice against Goliath (the sling) provided him with a tremendous advantage over the weapons at Goliath’s disposal. All of Goliath’s weapons were of value only in close combat; even the giant’s spear, because it weighed over fifteen pounds, could not have been used effectively against an opponent standing more than a few feet away.

A pause to insert history I witnessed……

· Randy Matson was so beloved in College Station that Texas A&M named his final home meet in 1967 “Randy Matson Day.” He made it special for the 4,000+ fans by improving his own world record a final time, 71-5½ (21.78m), a mark that would last until 1973. I watched Randy throw the

· 16lb. steel ball that day and thus could imagine that Goliath being 2’2” approx.. taller than Randy’s 6’7” and no doubt much heavier and stronger than Maston, could have thrown his spear of similar metal weight in the head plus the weight of the shaft further than we might have thought….

o But God had the better plan…… and my comments are not germane but included because I remember them and witnessed the event in College Station…David’s battle with Goliath was a little before my time😊.

· On the other hand, David could use his sling with deadly force from comparatively great distances. With his youthful vigor and unencumbered by heavy armor and weaponry, David could quickly move to locations from which he could hurl the tennis-ball-sized stones directly at Goliath.

· Taking a single stone, David felled the Philistine with facility and deadly accuracy. The rock was hurled with such great force that it crushed the frontal bone of Goliath’s cranium and “sank into his forehead.”

o In accordance with the requirement of the Torah (cf. Lev 24:16), “without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him” (1 Sam 17:50).

· David had achieved a stunning victory over the Philistine. Immediately after Goliath died, David followed the battlefield customs of the day (cf. 31:9) by stripping the dead man of his weapon and decapitating the corpse. These final acts against the giant served as undeniable proof to the Philistines “that their hero was dead.” In shock and confusion, “they turned and ran” in a westerly direction, away from the Israelites.[7]

o Note: Though the battle had been won without a sword blow being struck, David did not scorn to take possession of Goliath’s sword in order to finish his work. The stone had stunned the giant, and now the sword must kill him. The Philistines retreated with all speed, and the Israelite army pursued them, driving them back to their own towns, and afterwards plundering their camp, so enjoying the spoils.[8]

Where do we see Jesus in this passage?

· This passage is not primarily about how we can overcome our big problems in life with God’s help or how to deal with bullies.

o We are not to primarily identify with David; rather, we are like the army of Israel, which faces a terrifying enemy which it cannot defeat.

o We, like the Israelites, need a great champion, anointed by God, to fight our battle and gain the victory we could never achieve.

o Jesus is the Champion whom God promised would crush Satan (Gen. 3:15).

§ Just as David won the victory over Goliath without the help of Israel’s fearful army, so Jesus Christ went to the cross alone and defeated Satan, sin, and death for us.

· Like David, Jesus was zealous for the Lord’s honor in the face of blasphemy (John 2:14–17; Ps. 69:9).

o Just as David was rejected by his brothers (17:28), so Jesus was rejected by his (John 1:11; 7:5).

o Just as David bravely entered into battle against Goliath (17:48), so Jesus boldly set his face to go to the cross for us (Luke 9:51).

o Jesus also faced blasphemous, arrogant foes who thought that they could destroy him (Matt. 26:4; John 11:53).

o Just as Goliath was defeated by David, thus setting the people of Israel free from the terror of slavery to the Philistines, so Satan has been conquered by Jesus, our Anointed Champion, setting us free.

§ “Since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives” (Heb. 2:14–15; also see 1 John 3:8; Col. 2:13–15; Luke 10:17–18).

How does this passage apply to us?

· Because Jesus, like David, has singlehandedly defeated our enemy, we, like the people of Israel, can follow him and participate in his victory.

o Because of the victory Christ has won for us, we can strive to imitate David.

§ We, too, should be passionate for God’s honor.

§ We are set free from the fear of man to serve God (Prov. 29:25).

📷 Proverbs 29:25 (NASB) 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORDwill be exalted.

· Like David, we can strengthen our faith by recalling God’s past faithfulness (1 Sam. 17:35–36), especially in the great deliverance wrought by Christ (Rom. 8:31–39).

o Romans 8:31-39 (NASB) 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

· We must also be careful not to fight God’s battles in Saul’s armor. Some churches today are tempted to rely upon unbiblical methodologies of marketing and psychology rather than the simplicity of the gospel, which to the world may be foolishness but to us is the power of God.

o 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB) 18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

o Hebrews 4:12 (NASB) 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

· We still have battles to fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

o We war against our own remaining sin.

o We seek to bring the gospel to enemy strongholds.

o We defend the truth of God’s Word against error.

§ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB) 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

· Because Christ is our Champion, we dare attempt great things for God in missions and evangelism. We can even resist the devil.

o James 4:7 (NASB) 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

To wrap this lesson up let’s consider the following:

· We see that the fact that God is with us does not negate human strategy and effort.

o David prepared for battle by bringing his sling and his stones.

o He ran toward Goliath to gain momentum so he could sling the stone as hard as possible. He aimed the stone at Goliath’s head.

o God achieves his victories through the use of legitimate means, including our trying our best.

§ “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God” (1 Tim. 4:10).

📷 We should worship, serve, and evangelize with all our hearts and with all our abilities.

§ We also learn from David that the bold faith of a few can inspire the many (17:52–53).

📷 We also must, with David, remember that God alone receives the glory for our victory.[9]

Scriptures to take with you as you go your way😊

· Hebrews 13:5 (NASB) The Lord has promised to be with you always. 5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

· Isaiah 43:2 (NASB) The Lord has promised to see you through to the other side. 2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

· Isaiah 54:17 (NASB) The Lord has promised to protect you. 17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD.

· Philippians 4:13 (NASB) The Lord has promised to enable you. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

· Romans 8:37 (NASB) The Lord has promised to give you victory. 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

· 2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB) The Lord has prepared us for a showdown with our bullies. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Thought to Soak On

· Do you want to be the kind of person God uses? I do! Regardless of what it costs in time, energy or reputation, it will be worth it to be used of the Lord. As you have read this lesson and its accompanying Scriptures, it may that you have identified certain areas of your life that need correction. If so, please come before the Lord and talk to Him about your needs. He will take your life and use you for His glory if you will get honest with Him. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, then you come to Him and I will take the world of God and show you how you can be saved. Wherever you may be right now, you can become a person God uses for His glory. Let’s determine to pay the price to be that person for the glory of God![10]

· Grace and peace,

[1]Adrian Rogers, “Live like a King in Victory,” in Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust, 2017), 1 Sa 17:3–46. [2]J. D. Greear and Heath A. Thomas, Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2016), 128. [3]Robert J. Dean, Family Bible Study, Winter 2003-04 (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2004), 58–59. [4]Robert J. Dean, Family Bible Study, Winter 2003-04 (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2004), 62. [5]Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1 Samuel, The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2003), 151. [6]Jim Newheiser, Opening Up 1 Samuel, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One, 2011), 100–101. [7]Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, vol. 7, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 196–197. [8]Joyce G. Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 8, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 137. [9]Jim Newheiser, Opening Up 1 Samuel, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One, 2011), 99–104. [10]Alan Carr, “The Kind of People God Uses (1 Samuel 17:40–51),”in The Sermon Notebook: Old Testament(Lenoir, NC: Alan Carr, 2015), 1046.