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THE BATTLE WITH GIANTS
LORD’S DAY, SEPTEMBER 20
2 Samuel 21

Matthew 6:5-8

 

“…for your Father knoweth
what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.”

 

THE BATTLE WITH GIANTS
 
David is best known for slaying Goliath, the Philistine giant, in his youth. There were many giants in that land, including Goliath’s kinsmen. In those early days, they used primitive weapons, physical abilities and skills in any confrontation with the giants. The narrative of those wars gives a picture of both skill and trust in God in battles. David’s men were not giants but, like him in his youth, they were skilled in combat.
 
2 Samuel 21:15 tells us that there was still constant war between Israel and the Philistines: “Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.” Although David also went to the war front, he could not fight as he did in his younger days. When he was weakened, Abishai, one of his mighty men, slew the giant named Ishbibenob.
 
Then, David’s men of war prevented David from going to the battle front (2 Sam 21:17b). Though the king wanted to lead the army as in times past, his soldiers knew better. They did not want to expose their king to danger. His security detail consisted of men wise enough to understand the need to take every precaution to protect their king.
 
In the battle at Gob, Sibbechai slew Saph, one of the giants (2 Sam 21:18). In another battle at Gob, Elhanan slew the brother of giant Goliath (2 Sam 21:19). There was another giant of giants who had a total of twenty-four fingers and toes. When he defied Israel, Jonathan (a nephew of David) slew him. Altogether, four giants fell by the hand of David’s men. These were the last recorded battles which David took part in.
 
A review of David and his wars shows that he had never lost any battle that he fought because he had always sought and trusted the Lord. He is also called the sweet psalmist of Israel. He contributed much to spiritual music in Israel.
 
THOUGHT: God has solutions to all fears, and can make His own to prosper.
PRAYER: Father, guide my spiritual journey until I reach my eternal home.

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