David & Goliath

What was Goliath’s challenge to the Israelites? (vs. 8-9)

How did Saul’s army react to the challenge? (vs. 11)

What were the superhuman characteristics of Goliath (vs. 4-7)

How long had Goliath been coming forward with his daily challenge? (vs. 16)

Do you think there is significance in the number 40?

The study of numbers in the Bible is known as “gematria”. Others call it “Biblical Numerology”. The idea is that in the Biblical culture, numbers had great significance. Especially within the Hebrew culture. When you study the Hebrew language, you find that each letter has numeric value, which also means that each word has numeric value. We don’t have time to go much more into that tonight, but it is of great importance.

The number 40 in Scripture speaks of “testing and trying”.

Noah was in the ark and it rained for 40 days and nights.

Moses was up on Mt. Sinai 40 days and nights.

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days.

Jonah preached to Nineveh for 40 days, after which they were to be destroyed without repentance.

Goliath tempted and tested Israel for 40 days.

Do you think it coincidental that Goliath is issuing his challenge the moment David shows up?

What reward had Saul promised to the man who defeated Goliath? (vs. 25)

In David’s view, why should the Israelites not have been intimidated by Goliath? (vs. 26)

What experiences helped David to believe that God would deliver him? (vs. 34-37)

Why was Saul skeptical? (vs. 33)

How did Saul attempt to aid David in the battle? (vs. 38-39)

In what sense is there a fine line between bravery and stupidity?

How did Goliath react when he saw David approaching? (vs. 42-44)

What was David’s response to Goliath’s taunts? (vs. 45-47)

In this account, what was the most powerful weapon yielded?