1 Samuel 17:1-30

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Goliath Presents a Challenge to the Army of Israel

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The enemy will always have his Goliaths.

2. The Lord will always have His Davids.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Let’s fight the Goliaths and not our brothers!

QUESTIONS

1. Where is the Valley of Elah?

2. How tall was Goliath? How much did his armor weigh? How much did the head of his spear weigh?

3. What was Goliath’s challenge to the Israelites?

4. What would be given to the man who defeated Goliath?

5. What do the battles in the Old Testament between God’s people Israel and their enemies represent?

6. What does the number 40 represent in Scripture?

ANSWERS

1. About 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem

2. He was 9’ 9” tall. His armor weighed about 125 pounds and his spear about 16 pounds.

3. Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior for a contest, which would determine the outcome of the battle. This was a common strategy in the ancient world.

4. King Saul had promised to give the champion his daughter as a wife. Furthermore, he would be made wealthy and his family would be tax-free.

5. They generally illustrate some aspect of our spiritual warfare.

6. It is the number of testing.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Secular science is one of Satan’s “Goliaths” facing us in spiritual warfare today. Can you list some other giants of the Enemy?

2. David did not waste time arguing when his brother questioned his motives. Have fellow believers ever misread your motives? Did you focus on fighting the Goliath rather than your brothers?

CHALLENGE

1. God raises up Davids to fight the spiritual battle against the enemy. Are you willing and prepared to fight?

KEY VERSES

• “And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.” 1 Samuel 17:4

• “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:23