[/caption]Continuing our mini series of useful lessons in the life of David, we come to our second post where we will be not now looking at 'sheep' but the sword.
2. The Sword
David's first experience with the sword was an unusual one! We are now going back to the valley of Elah and David faces the Philistine giant Goliath, whom he slays with a sling and a stone. We remember that the scripture records that "there was no sword n the hand of David" so in order to demonstrate to all that the 'champion' was dead, David decapitates the big man with his own sword. As a side note here I have heard in the past people say that this was how David killed Goliath but I feel that this is wrong and somewhat detracts from the triumph and victory that was won - the scripture says that the stone sunk into his forehead and that David "slew him" without the help of the sword.
Now we fast-forward a few chapters and we see a stark contrast here, David is now on the run! He is fleeing from Saul (1 Sam 21:9) and once again we see that the sword of Goliath comes back into David's life. We read in the narrative that David is once again without a sword and he eagerly collects the sword of Goliath from Ahimelech the priest at Nob - he says "there is none like that; give it to me". I believe that this was a moment of weakness on David's part, a lapse of faith if you will. He has forgotten the lessons of the valley of Elah! Back then his confidence was in God, not the sword: "thou comest to me with a sword... but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts" (1 Sam 17:4) And so here we see David grasping desperately for the sword of the giant, lying to protect himself by feigning madness and seeking refuge amongst the enemies of God's people (ironically he was in Gath a city of Philistia - and Goliath's home town!). David would learn once again that it is God who wins the victory and not our own strengths or efforts that we should rely on: "neither shall my sword save me... In God we boast" (Psalm 44:6) Of course there is a simple lesson for us here, we should trust in God and not the things of the world, no matter how mighty or dependable they seem!
We as believers should make good use of the spiritual sword - the Word of God. Of course we have good scriptural backing for this picture:
- "the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God." (Eph 6)
- "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb 4:12)
Nice thoughts Mark - and you're right that we have a real need for the Scriptures in our lives. I was thinking of the Lord's words in John ch8 -
ReplyDelete"...continue in my word..."
The context here may have been continuing in the Lord's spoken words, but whether written or spoken, His words have great value and signifigance to us.
He was teaching the disciples that should they personally and experimentally “know the truth,” and “by the truth be made (spiritually) free.”
How well do we continue in His word? And how well do we "know the truth"?
Challenging to us all to know Him and His Word all the better...
- MATT
Thanks Matt, the challenge to know God better is one that permeates the whole scriptures. One ideal way to do this is as you say to read and meditate upon his Word (and words).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts and encouragement!
Mark