Joel M Bradshaw

The David and Goliath narrative leaves me thankful for 10 things. 1-5 today. I weave the text from 1 Samuel 17 in italics through my points below.

1. I am thankful for the either/or nature of the situation. It was either going to end one way or another. Same with our prayers to God.

3And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.

4And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.

2. I am thankful for how impossible this situation seemed. Watch that cave troll battle in the Lord of the Rings movie. You can easily find it on YouTube. This would have been even more daunting.

10And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

3. I am thankful that the Israelites were emotionally reacting to their situation. It makes this story so relatable.

26And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

4. I am thankful that right away David analyzed the situation not just politically, but theologically. It’s as if David knew the true stakes.

28Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men.

5. I am thankful it was Eliab that talked trash to David. Eliab was the physically-impressive brother that Samuel thought God would anoint. This battle wasn’t going to be about physical things.

Can’t wait for part 2, tomorrow!–JMB