“Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah[d]of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance[e]from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. 23 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. 24 Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.” 1 Samuel 17.17-24
So David left his sheep to go encourage his brothers, who were in battle. He brought them a message from Jesse, along with grain, bread, and cheese for their commanders, hoping to receive some assurance for their father that they were doing okay.
When David arrived, the army was returning to their battle positions, “shouting the war cry.” The armies drew up lines to face each other as David ran to check on his brothers. As he did so, he heard the challenge from Goliath, the Philistine champion, who was shouting “his usual defiance.” The Israelites fled in great fear.
David’s effort to encourage his brothers ended with the army fleeing in fear from their challenger. These strong men of Israel were no match for Goliath, and they knew it. Imagine what David must have heard, seen, and experienced. As we will discover in the following verses, his response to the giant was both sudden and unexpected.
Life often brings us unexpected encounters. Some are welcomed, while others are far more difficult to endure. But in all instances, God is with us. God was with David, and He was with the armies of Israel. He will be with us as well. No matter what we face, we can turn to the Lord and place our faith in His Word.
What unexpected challenge are you facing today? Perhaps it is for your benefit, or maybe it feels like it is for your defeat. Regardless, lean into the Lord, the rescuer of your soul. He is your strength and your shield (Psalm 28), your strong tower (Proverbs 18:10), and your joy.
“O Lord God, draw near to me. In this dark and weary land, as I face giants and enemies near and far, I need Your help. I know that You are my rescuer and my reward. I desire to know You, hear You, and love You. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill me with Your passion and might. Help me to be all that You have called and created me to be. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.