1 Samuel 17:31-58

< Back to 1 Samuel Index

TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David’s Victory Over Goliath

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God is not confined to conventional methods in spiritual warfare.

  2. God can use a believer’s former experience in spiritual warfare.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t practice fanciful interpretation of Scripture.

QUESTIONS

  1. Why does it seem at the end of the chapter that King Saul didn’t know David?

  2. Who do David and Goliath represent as an illustration of spiritual warfare?

  3. What was Saul’s response when David volunteered to fight Goliath?

  4. How did God use David’s former experience in his victory over Goliath?

  5. What principle can verse 48 teach us about spiritual warfare?

ANSWERS

  1. One possible answer is that while Saul knew David as his harp player and armor bearer, now that he was about to become his son-in-law, Saul was asking about his lineage.

  2. Goliath represents satanic forces opposed to God’s people. David represents committed and courageous believers who are willing to step out in faith and fight the Goliaths.

  3. He objected that David was an untrained youth. He insisted that David wear his armor into battle.

  4. David became skilled in using a slingshot when he shepherded his sheep. David had killed a lion and bear while tending his sheep, which certainly gave David confidence and courage against Goliath.

  5. That David ran toward Goliath is an illustration of staying on the offensive in spiritual warfare.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss how David is ultimately a spiritual picture of Christ Himself who conquered Satan. A number of points were mentioned in the background section of this Talk.

  2. What former experience do you have that God can use in spiritual warfare? Have you seen this happen in your life?

CHALLENGE

  1. Don’t practice fanciful interpretation of Scripture, the story of David and Goliath is incredible as it is!

KEY VERSES

  • “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:35

  • “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

  • “The battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

1 Samuel, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid1 SAMUEL 17:31-58