Essay Sample on David and Goliath: Champion of God's People

Introduction

David and Goliath are two of the most famous characters in the Bible whose stories are mainly found in the book of Samuel, although the story of David is mentioned several times in other sections of the Bible. For us to understand how these two individuals went down as the most famous characters in the old testament, it is vital to understand how their paths crossed. The two characters are of great historical importance as there represent two opposing forces in the Scripture. Their differences are well outlined in the Bible, and the following report aims at exploring these differences and understanding the significance of these two characters in Biblical history.

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David or King David is one of the most famous kings in the history of Israel who took over from King Saul. However, David was not born of royalty, but instead, he came from a humble background. His anointment by Samuel came at a time when God had rejected Saul because of his disobedience. We are first introduced to David in the book of 1 Samuel 16 when the Lord orders Samuel to fill his horn with oil and is sent to Jesse the father to David in their home in Bethlehem. At Jesse's home, Samuel invites them to join him as he sacrificed to the Lord and anointed him that the Lord had chosen. Unfortunately, the Lord did not specify which of Jesse's sons He had appointed and therefore, he goes through all the sons before arriving at David.

Samuel, like most men, focused on outward appearance. However, in 1 Samuel 16:7 the Bible indicates that the Lord was concerned with the heart. Jesse would go on to present all his sons, and the Lord would reject them. Finally, he called upon his youngest son David who was anointed in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him. This is where David's life changes as he found favor in the Lord.

During this period, the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit was now tormenting him. Saul commanded his servant to find someone who would play the lyre for him for him to feel better. It was then that a servant recommended David saying, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him." (1 Samuel 16: 18). Saul, therefore, sent for Jesse and his son. The Bible indicates that the King was fond of David and eventually, he became his armor-bearer. He requested that David remain in his service where he played the lyre to help the king feel better.

The story of David and Goliath is well documented in the book of 1 Samuel 17. It is here that we are introduced to the Philistines who had gathered their forces in preparation for war and had gathered in Sokoh in Judah. They had set up their camp between Sokoh and Azekah in a place known as Ephes Dammim (1 Samuel 17:1). Saul and the Israelite army camped in the Valley of Elah where they had formed a battle line to fight the Philistines. The two sides were divided by a valley.

In 1 Samuel 17:4 we are introduced to Goliath the Philistine champion from Gath. The Bible describes him as a tall figure, and in some cases, he was referred to as a giant. He also wore a bronze helmet and armor that weighed close to 60 kilograms. His legs were also covered with bronze greaves, and he also had a bronze javelin on his back. He also had a spear with him that had an iron point that weighed 7 kilograms. He was also accompanied by his shield bearer. The Bible's description is meant to bring out the physical strength that Goliath possessed.

Goliath was indeed intimidating. He stood and shouted to the army of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." (1 Samuel 17: 8 - 9). The Bible indicates that Saul and all Israelites were terrified and dismayed.

During this period, the three oldest sons of Jesse were with Saul in the battlefield as David went back to take care of his father's sheep in Bethlehem. After close to forty days, Jesse sent David to bring food to his brothers and check on them. Early the next morning he went to the camp just as his father instructed him before the army took their position in the battlefield. David gave the food to the supply keeper and went to check on his brothers on the battle lines. As he talked to his brothers, Goliath stepped forth from the battle lines and uttered his usual defiance which David heard. Goliath's voice terrified everyone apart from David.

It emerged that the king had promised to give wealth to the man who would kill Goliath as well as giving the man his daughters hand in marriage. Also, his family would be exempted from paying taxes. David was angered with the fact that Goliath defied the armies of the Lord but when Eliab, his brother, heard him talking to the other men he was furious. Nevertheless, that did not stop him from being summoned by the king who had heard of what he had said concerning the Philistine. In the presence of King David said that there was no need for another man to lose their hearts because of the Philistine and that he would go and fight Goliath.

Saul, however, did not have faith in David since he was only a young man and not a warrior. David, however, reassured the king by stating that he had killed a lion and a bear while protecting his father's sheep and that he would do the same to Goliath because the Lord was with him. Finally, the king gave him his blessings and dressed him in his tunic. Unfortunately, David was not used to the armor, and it was difficult for him to walk in it. He, therefore, removed them. He took his staff and went to the stream where he chose five smooth stones and put them in his pouch while holding his sling. Then he approached Goliath.

Goliath looked down at David and saw that he was only a young man and hated him. He asked David whether he was a dog that he would come at him with sticks. He also told him that he would give his body to the wild animals and the birds. David, however, responded by stating, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45). He also assured him that with the help of the Lord he would kill him and cut off his head and the Philistines would be their slaves. David reached into his bag, took out a stone, slung it and struck Goliath on his forehead. He fell instantly, and David went to him, stood over his body and cut off his head using his sword.

Conclusion

The story about David and Goliath is one that shows what God is capable of as well as His nature. It is through the story that we learn that God looks at a person's heart. Also, He can anoint anyone regardless of the background. During the battle between David and Goliath, we see the true strength of God who uses a young boy to defeat a fully armored giant using a stone. I am encouraged to face each obstacle that comes my way after analyzing this story because the Lord is my strength. My prayer is that I may trust the Lord more to deliver me from obstacles that may come my way.