As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.
So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head.
I don't remember that last verse from Sunday school. Sure, we heard all about David and Goliath - even the stone slinging prowess that knocked the giant out cold - but it wasn't the stone that killed him... it was the CUTTING OFF OF HIS HEAD. How long was Goliath was out? I mean for the stone to "sink in" to his forehead that must have been some throw, but did Goliath completely black out or was he just momentarily dazed. How long did David have to finish the job?
One thing's for sure, he didn't hesitate. Just like he had likely done protecting his flock from lions and bears, he knew there was a small window of opportunity from when his throw landed to when he would lose the close combat advantage. He immediately ran over to the overly grown man, unsheathed the giant's sword, which was also undoubtedly large and heavy, and proceeded to sever his freshly dented head from its body.
I find I have a hard time relating to David in that particular moment. I naturally tend to put myself in other people's shoes but I just can't imagine what would have been running through David's head as he was chopping off Goliath's cabeza. I bet it was a blurry tornado of thoughts, emotions, and pure adrenaline. Maybe he was thinking about Saul's daughter that he'd just won. Maybe he was reveling in the tax-exempt status he'd just earned his family. Maybe he was fervently lifting up his worship and gratitude to God for the victory. Maybe all of the above.
Now, let's fast forward to Psalm 42. The now-King David is pouring out his heart using some of the most poignant metaphors and passionate expression in all of the Bible...
Where is this man in our society? Where is the modern-day David? A man's man but sensitive. A warrior with tears on his face. Requiring no earthly possession yet still utterly reliant and desperate for the provision of God. These seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, but in fact they are the credentials of greatness. An astounding legacy relies on a foundation of spiritual and emotional refinement, which is the inevitable result of pursuing a relationship with God.
I am fascinated and challenged by David's breadth character. No wonder God referred to him as "a man after my own heart". (Acts 13:22)
Now, let's fast forward to Psalm 42. The now-King David is pouring out his heart using some of the most poignant metaphors and passionate expression in all of the Bible...
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.This is the same man who killed countless in battle and commanded armies to crushing victories. He's certainly no stranger to the crude, uncensored frailty of life. And yet, he still possessed an abysmal depth of emotion and the ability to convey it in word and song.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?”
Where is this man in our society? Where is the modern-day David? A man's man but sensitive. A warrior with tears on his face. Requiring no earthly possession yet still utterly reliant and desperate for the provision of God. These seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, but in fact they are the credentials of greatness. An astounding legacy relies on a foundation of spiritual and emotional refinement, which is the inevitable result of pursuing a relationship with God.
I am fascinated and challenged by David's breadth character. No wonder God referred to him as "a man after my own heart". (Acts 13:22)
