Real and Methodical Threat

“Fee-fi-fo-fum!”

[Benjamin Tabart/Jack and the Beanstalk/1807]

The merciless giant from the children’s fairytale taunted Jack.

David faced no make believe menace. Goliath was real and methodical. Day after day, he taunted Israel’s army. (1 Samuel 17:8-10, 16, 23-24)

David, a simple shepherd boy served the sovereign God.

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies—you have defied Him. Today, the LORD will hand you over to me (1 Samuel 17:45-46a HCS).”

Bold words for one outmatched, yet David had anchored his confidence in mighty God, not in himself being adequate.

“David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone. Even though David had no sword, he struck down the Philistine and killed him (1 Samuel 17:50 HCS).”