Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Samuel 17 Devotional

Fighting in His Name

“And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.””1 Samuel 17:47 (BSB)

For forty days Goliath defies Israel, and Saul and his army are terrified (17:11, 17:16). David arrives with food for his brothers and hears the challenge. What strikes him is not the giant's size but the insult: this man is taunting the army of the living God (17:26). His confidence rests on the LORD who rescued him from the lion and the bear (17:37).

In the valley Goliath comes armed with sword, spear and javelin. David comes in the name of the LORD of Hosts, so that all the earth will learn that Israel has a God, and everyone gathered there will see that the LORD's saving does not depend on weapons, because the fight belongs to him (17:45-47). The story is first about the LORD and his name. It also offers a picture of the anointed king going out alone for a frightened people, which points toward Jesus, who by his death broke the power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Your rescue rests on his strength, not on yours.

To think about: What fear do you need to face today in light of the LORD's strength rather than your own?

About 1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath

The Philistine champion Goliath taunts Israel for forty days while Saul and his army cower in fear. David, sent with food for his brothers, volunteers to fight in the LORD's name, fells the giant with a single sling stone, and the Philistines flee; Saul then learns that David is Jesse's son.

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