Journey Through The Scriptures

The story of David and Goliath certainly ranks as one of the most well-known and popular of all Bible stories. The account is remarkable on its own, but becomes even more so when set in its historical background. David’s defeat of Goliath came at a time when Israel sorely needed a victory and a true hero. Saul had been rejected by God as king, and his reign was in decline. The Philistines were a sea people who became Israel’s archenemies. They were menacing the nation again when David went to visit his older brothers in the Israelite army in the Elah Valley west of Bethlehem. It was there David heard Goliath’s challenge.

Upon hearing the Philistine giant, David identified the true nature of this insult. Goliath was not simply taunting Israel’s army, but slandering Israel’s God (v. 26). David’s deepest desire was for God’s glory, so “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel” (v. 46). Armed with his confidence in God and his shepherd’s sling, this teenager went out to fight Goliath — and the rest is Bible history! This may have occurred several years after David had served in Saul’s court, which could explain the king’s inquiry about David’s identity. Saul may have forgotten who David was, but he would be obsessed with David for the rest of his life.