David, Goliath and Jonathan

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David, Goliath and Jonathan

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: 1 Samuel 17-20


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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE (50)

United Kingdom – 4

Tonight, we continue our journey through the Bible.  We are in the midst of  addressing the United Kingdom of Israel (period 9 of 17).  In our last lesson we addressed King Saul as YHWH rejected his reign because of his failure to completely obey Him – he did not destroy the Amalekites.  The led to David, the youngest son of Jesse being anointed as king.  David, as a talented harp player, was introduced to king Saul to play soothing music when he was distressed with a spirit.  That brings us to tonight’s text – beginning with one of the most famous accounts in the life of David – his confrontation with Goliath.

  1. The Text
    1. 1 Sam. 17 – David and Goliath. The Philistines are gathered to battle against Israel near Sochoh in Judah.  Their champion, Goliath, who was about 9 feet tall, would come out and taunt Israel and defying YHWH (vs. 26).  Send your greatest warrior – whoever win the loser will serve.   He did this for 40 days (16).  In Israel NONE was found who would fight him.
    2. David is sent by Jesse to see how his military brothers are doing and to provide rations for them and the camp. He sees his brothers and hears Goliath.  Eliab (the oldest) rebukes him for coming.  Vs 29, David challenges them, “What have I done?  Is there not a cause?” (vs. 29) He then offers to go fight Goliath before King Saul.  He makes his case by declaring he had killed both a lion and a bear and would do the same to “this Philistine” (vs. 37).  Saul permits him to go and offers his own armor.  David tries it on but it is bulky and too big.  He casts it off. (38-39)
    3. 17:40ff – David takes his staff, 5 smooth stones and a sling and goes to face Goliath.  Goliath arrogantly dismisses David and declares he will destroy him.  NOTE vs. 45 – David said to the Philistine, “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.  He declared he would win so that all the earth would know the God of Israel (vs. 45-47).  David runs toward Goliath and takes ONE stone and with his sling strikes Goliath between his eyes (opening of his helmet).  Goliath falls and David takes his sword and beheads him.  52 – then the men of Israel and Judah pursued them and pushed them back to their own land (entrance of Ekron).  Israel plundered their tents (53).  David took the head of Goliath to Jerusalem and kept the armor for himself.   He presented the head to Saul and his family was destined to be rewarded.
    4. 18:1-4 – Jonathan and David become the closest of friends –They make a covenant with each other. Jonathan loved David (platonic) and gave him his robe, armor, sword and belt.
    5. David valiantly fights for Saul – 18:5-16 – David fights for Saul and becomes a great warrior. He was successful, especially against the Philistines.  But the people begin praising David as being greater than Saul (vs. 7).  Saul becomes jealous and begins to view David suspiciously from that point forward.   Again, the distressing spirit came upon Saul.  David played and tried to soothe him, but Saul took his spear and cast it at David.  He had to flee. Vs. 12, Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul.  David was removed from his presence and became a captain over a group of 1000.  But David always acted wisely and YHWH was with him.  Saul was afraid of David, but Israel loved him (vs. 15-16).
    6. 18:17-18 – David is given Michal, daughter of Saul, as wife. He was going to receive Marab, the older daughter, as wife but he declines (he humbly thought himself unworthy), so Saul gave her to another.  But Michal loved David and he gave her to him as wife. Saul’s servants convinced David to become Saul’s son-in-law. The dowry was 100 Philistine foreskins.  David gave him 200.  Again, Saul knew that YHWH was with David and was more afraid of him (28-29).  But he continued to be praised by the people and his name highly esteemed.  He also continued to defeat the Philistines.
    7. 1 Samuel 19:1ff – Saul begins to persecute David. He tells Jonahan and his servants to kill David.  But Jonathan stands up for him and reasons with his father noting David’s loyalty to him and YHWH.  Saul relents for the moment.  He was restored to Saul’s presence (vs. 1-7).
    8. 19:8-17 There was more war with the Philistines. David continues to overcome them.  Saul’s distressing spirit returns and David begins to play for him.  This time, there is a spear next to Saul and he takes it and tries to kill David.  David flees from him that night.   He sends men to David and Michal’s house, but Michal warns David and helps him escape.  When asked why, Michal told Saul that David threatened her if he did not.
    9. 19:18-24 – David flees to Samuel at Ramah and tells him what Saul was doing. When Saul hears he is there, David escapes.   Messengers are sent to take David, but when they arrive Samuel is leading prophets as they prophesied.  The messengers of Saul begin to prophecy as well.  It happens 2 more times.  Saul in pursuit goes mad and also prophecies as he searches for David. The people asked (again), “Is Saul also among the prophets?”.
    10. 20 records more of Jonathan defending David. David is perplexed because of his loyalty to Saul.  Jonathan promises to find out if David is safe. David plans to be absent until he knows if he is safe.  While not at Saul’s table Jonathan will tell the king that David went to Bethlehem to offer a fmily sacrifice.  A signal in a field is devised – Jonathan would shoot arrows and have a young boy fetch them.  His wording would determine if David was safe. NOTE 20:14-17 – Jonathan KNOWS David is chosen by YHWH.  He makes a covenant with David to spare him and his descendants.  The 2nd night of David’s absence, Jonathan tells Saul Daivd had gone to Bethlehem.  Saul becomes angry and curses Jonathan – NOTE 20:30-31 – Saul KNOWS David is YHWH’s chosen.   When Jonathan again defends David, Saul throws a spear at him.  Jonathan flees.  The next day he shoots his arrows and informs David he cannot return at this time.  Vs. 41-42 – They say their farewells (they kiss one another – PLATONIC) and David departs.
  2. Lessons to consider
    1. With God’s help you can face giants. God can use those perceived as weak. He does not accomplish His will the same way that men do.  Recall 1 Samuel 16:7 as Sameul is sent to anoint David, Jesse’s youngest son: But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  Romans 8:31 – If God be for us, who can be against us.
    2. Building on your past experience – David had confronted both lion and bear and thus he knows how to handle adversity. He had learned and thus had courage (recall that God had anointed him).  Experience is a great teacher – Job 12:12 notes that Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.  Proverbs 3:13, Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;  Psalm 37:25, David will later in life declare, I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.
    3. Give God the credit – this was behind David’s battle and victory, but in defending his flock and defending God’s honor against Goliath. James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above.  1 Peter 4:11, in what we do, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…
    4. Is there not a cause? As David answers his brother for inquiring. As we look at this life and our purpose, especially our spiritual responsibilities – IS there not a cause? This is a great question when we consider motives behind what we do and how we live our lives.  Are we willing to stand up for our Lord and defend Him?
    5. God can use young people too (17:33) – certainly young people have limitations (especially with experience), but that does not mean that you are not useful. David is but one example of young people who served God.  Others include Joseph, Timothy, a servant girl in Naaman’s household,  a young boy with his lunch, etc.   1 Timothy 4:12 finds Paul encouraging Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth…”  Ecclesiastes 12:1- remember your Creator in the days of your youth.
    6. Pride goes before a fall – we see the arrogance of Goliath (and king Saul). Proverbs 16:5, Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.
      Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.  Recall that in James 4:6, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
    7. The mighty armor of God – greater than that of mankind. David did not need Saul’s armor, but simply the protection of God. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 reminds us that our weapons are not carnal.  Ephesians 6:10-18 describes our armor.
    8. The value of a close, trusted friend – loyalty. In this text we are introduced again to Jonathan and David. They become the closest of friends.  BOTH were goldy men who were also loyal to each other.  Proverbs 18:24 – there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  Also Proverbs 17:17.
    9. The destructiveness of jealousy – Saul’s jealousy was but one of his faulty traits. But we see where it can lead.  And of course we are warned to not be jealous – Galatians 5:20 – a work of the flesh;
    10. Ungodly scheming – 1 Samuel 18:17-30. Sadly, we see such often within our society.  Works done with the guise of being helpful, but deep down motives are sinister.  And while we expect it from the world, it is truly tragic when it is brethren.  That was a tactic used by the enemies of Jesus and Paul.
    11. Will you stand up for the righteous? Jonathan stood up for David because he was innocent.  We ought to stand with each other.  Proverbs 31:8-9, Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.   1 Thessalonians 5:14 – uphold the weak and be patient with all.
    12. Always try reasoning FIRST to defuse a situation – 1 Sam. 19:1-6. Sadly, it doesn’t always work or only has temporary effect.
    13. God can accomplish His will – we see that throughout this text And while He might have been more directly involved toward David, we must never forget that He will accomplish His purpose and CAN be a source of help – Again, Romans 8:31 – If God be for us…; I can do all things through Christ… Philippians 4:13.
    14. The value and importance of covenants – David and Jonathan – 1 Samuel 18:3. A covenant is a serious oath made between parties.  They ought to be entered into with pure sobriety.  In our lives we will make covenants with God and with our spouse, and possibly others.  Do you take your covenant’s seriously?
    15. Psalm 59 is a psalm keyed to 1 Samuel 19 when men were sent to Michal to kill David. It is a psalm of deliverance and trust.  Also, somewhat imprecatory as David requests his enemies be defeated and humiliated in their efforts.   Regardless, David will praise God before Him and others. At some later point I will address the psalms of David in greater detail.
    16. Accepting your place before God – Jonathan realized David was going to be king by YHWH (20:14-17). He accepts it.  As we have noted, we all have strengths and weaknesses and limitations.  Some are hereditary while others are based upon circumstances.  Will we accept our place before God?

And thus we continue our study through the Bible.  In this lesson we have seen tragedy and triumph, godliness and wickedness and choices. Let us learn from God’s story of His people.  How will you handle the challenges of life? Think about it!

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