Late in the 11th-Century B.C., the Israelites and the Philistines were at war. If two adversaries wanted to avoid having large-scale battles with major casualties, a common practice of the time period was for the two sides to select a champion to meet each other in induvial combat. The winner between the two champions would win the broader battle for their side.

This was the situation for the warring factions of Israel and Philistia around the year 1020 B.C. They were in a stand-off on two opposing hillsides in Southern Judah, not engaged in battle yet, but each waiting for the other to make the first move. The Philistines were descendants of the Repha’im, an ancient race of giants in Canaan (confirmed by Biblical history, Ancient Near East histories, and hundreds of years of archeological findings since).

The Philistines sent out their champion, a warrior named Goliath, who was over nine feet tall. 1 Samuel 17 records the event, telling us that his armor weighed 125 pounds, and that his spear was “like a weaver’s beam,” the spearhead of which weighed 15 pounds alone! No one in the Israelite camp wanted to face Goliath in solitary combat. 1 Samuel 17:11 says they were terrified of him. Goliath came forward every morning and every evening for 40 days, calling out the Israelites – challenging them, taunting them – growing more bold, more insulting, more aggressive and terrifying every day.

At this time, a young Israelite shepherd named David came to re-supply his older brothers with food on the front lines. David heard the taunts of the Philistine giant and volunteered to go out and fight him. An amazing episode, God gave David the courage, protection, and strength to face and defeat the giant, in plain view of both the warring sides! This renowned historical event is regularly referenced in literature and popular culture to encourage the underdog who is facing a juggernaut.

What most people don’t realize, though, is that Goliath was just the first giant to fall. 1 Chronicles 20:5-8 tells us that Goliath had four other brothers, all of whom were giants as well. And that all of them were killed by various individual members of David’s platoon. The victory of the young shepherd over the terrifying giant was not a one-off event. David and his men went 5-for-5 against every member of the warrior-giant clan!

The same God that David called upon for courage, protection, and strength in the 11th-Century B.C. is ready and wanting to supply you with that same fortitude in the 21st-Century A.D. God doesn’t just want to give you strength; He wants to be your strength! Call upon the Name of the Lord. Trust in Him. Ask for His help. And step into each new day’s challenges armed with the confidence that only God can supply.

I’ll leave you with this closing promise for all who put their trust and hope in God, from Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”