Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd visited the camp of King Saul, heard the threats of Goliath, took the giant’s challenge, and stood before him in battle.

We have told this story to our children and our grandchildren. We have told it in Bible classes, and we have heard it in sermons. I believe most of our children never tire of hearing about the killing of the Philistine, and we never tire of telling the story.

We have condensed the story so much, though, that we often miss some of the most important aspects of this great event. So turn with me to I Samuel 17 as we learn some lessons from the story of this amazing young man.

David was the youngest son of Jesse. He had seven older brothers, three of whom were serving in the army of King Saul.

Jesse sent David on an errand, to deliver food to his brothers and bring back a report on their health and safety. He also had David deliver gifts to their captain. Here is the first of our lessons from David. Even though he had been anointed as the future king of Israel, he was still an obedient son. He honored the instructions of his elderly father.

In Ephesian 6:2 Paul says, “Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (KJV). We have an obligation to honor our parents just because they are our parents. Parents have responsibilities toward their children as well, but children should show honor and respect whether the parents deserve it or not. That is a command spoken by inspiration.

We also need to be obedient to our heavenly Father. Peter and the other apostles made this point to Jewish rulers when they said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We honor Him when we obey His commandments.

While visiting in the camp of King Saul, David had a chance to see and hear the Philistine giant threaten the army. When he appeared in the valley, the men of Israel “fled from him and were sore afraid”, verse 24. What a sight this must have been for young David. Here is the army of Israel, led by one of the strongest and most valiant soldiers of any nation; and they all ran and hid.

Eliab, David’s oldest brother became angry with him and accused him of being prideful and coming just to see a battle. David’s answer was one of great maturity. He said, “Is there not a cause?” Lesson number two for us is we need to be willing to fight for a cause. I don’t mean physically fight, but stand for the truth.

In Acts 4, we read about two of Jesus’ apostles, Peter and John. These men were standing up for a cause. They were preaching about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus; and the very men that had ordered the crucifixion of Jesus threatened them with prison because of their beliefs.

Peter and John declared, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard”. They refused to be silenced because they had a cause.

We, like David, Peter, and John have a cause. It is the cause of Christ. It is the teaching of the truth of the scripture, no matter what men may say or do.

As we continue to look at the story of David and Goliath, we see David preparing to go to battle with the Philistine giant. Saul tried to prepare him by giving him his own armor, but it was much too big for the younger man. Instead, David took with him the things familiar to him: his staff, five smooth stones, and his sling. After all, David had slain a lion and a bear; and he wore no armor nor carried any weapons.

When David stood before Goliath, the Philistine cursed David. He threatened to feed him to the birds and wild animals. David’s response was, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee”. Then he promised to feed him to the birds and the wild animals.

David’s promises were not empty threats. He did just as he said he would do. How? He had the Lord on his side.

Lesson number three is when you stand for a cause, but sure the Lord is on your side. We need to put on the whole armor of God to withstand evil. Paul tells us this in Ephesians 6:14-17, Stand therefore, have your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”.

With God’s armor and the word of God, we can withstand any enemy the devil might throw in our way. May we, like David, be obedient to our heavenly Father, be ready to fight for a cause (the cause of Christ), and be sure the Lord is on our side.

Sandra Oliver