David and Goliath – a story almost everyone in our culture is familiar with. David defeats the giant with just a sling and stone. He is victorious! The world would say you too can have victory if you just have fortitude to stand against the odds. The problem is people often assume it is their own battle to win. But who was David fighting for and who was truly victorious? The answer: not David, but God.
David saves Israel from the Philistines who blasphemed God’s name and threatened His people. When considering David’s heroics, it is helpful to consider the circumstances leading up to that victory. David was:
- Already anointed as the next king by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13)
- A shepherd attending to his father’s flock (1 Samuel 17:14,15)
- Sent by his father to offer encouragement (1 Samuel 17:17,18)
- Ridiculed and put down by his brothers (1 Samuel 17:28)
- Fearless in his defense of God’s name (1 Samuel 17: 32, 37,38)
- Declaring victory before it occurred (1 Samuel 17:45–47)
- Victorious over the enemy in a very unexpected way (1 Samuel 17:50)
In all of this David demonstrated his trust and faith in God with his greatest desire being to pursue God’s heart. God was with him and established David as his champion even prior to him becoming the king of Israel.
In 1 Samuel 17, the saving of God’s chosen people was limited to those of Israel. However, this week we celebrate the sending of the One who saved all of God’s chosen people. Jesus’ defeat of the devil and death was also God’s victory. When considering the above points for David, we can easily see that they are true for Jesus as well. Jesus was:
- Anointed by the Holy Spirit at the start of His ministry (Acts 10:38)
- The shepherd Shepherd of God’s flock (John 10:11)
- Sent by God the Father (John 4:34)
- Ridiculed by His fellow Jews (Matthew 12:24)
- A fearless defender of God’s name and honor (Luke 19:45,46)
- Able to declare His death and resurrection beforehand (Matthew 20:18,19)
- The ultimate Victor defeating the devil and sin (John 12:23–33)
Both David and Jesus were anointed before becoming king, both defeated a seemingly unbeatable foe, both saved their people from destruction, and both did so because of their love for God. David went on to rule a united Israel and bring God’s people together. Sadly, it only lasted for a season. Jesus has done the same. However, He is the ultimate King sitting on His throne forever and gathering the citizens of God’s Kingdom together in order to glorify Him (Revelation 5)!
Written by: Jeff Cain, Elder
Based on: 1 Samuel 17
Passion Week Devotional 2025: Day Three