A leader of giant slayers: Part 1

“Now it came about after this, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued. And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. Again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot; and he also was descended from the giants. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him. These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.” (1 Chronicles 20:4-8)

In the days of the Kings of Israel, there were still giants living in the land. Growing up with the story of David and Goliath it is easy to believe that Goliath was the only giant in those days, yet Goliath was only one of the decedents of the giants and he himself had four sons who also were giants: Ishbi-Benob, Sippai, Saph, and the brother with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This fact also helps us understand why David took “five smooth stones” when he went to meet Goliath: one for Goliath and one for each of his sons. In those days the giants were archetypical of those who reproached, taunted, and defiled the nation of Israel. They also represented in kind those who resisted and stood to oppose the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

There once was a time in Israel when no one would dare to challenge a giant. In the days of King Saul, the Philistine champion Goliath openly taunted and challenged the army of Israel. “Again the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.” (1 Samuel 17:10) Goliath was quite the man. He was over nine feet tall and “The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.” (1 Samuel 17:7) Combined, his spear (beam and head) weighed as much as 65 pounds (30 kilograms)! At his sight the heart of the warriors of Israel melted away. “When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.” (1 Samuel 17:24) So what would turn a nation of giant fearers into a nation of giant slayers? The answer can be summed up in one word: David!

When David defeated Goliath, he not only secured victory for Israel but also set an example for others to follow. It was as if David opened a door and gave others permission to challenge “their” giants. David’s victory emboldened the fearful and showed them that they too could be giant slayers. Courage and boldness are contagious. Sometimes all people need to see is someone else walking in victory to spur them on to victory in their lives. “And that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” (Philippians 1:14) As other believers saw Paul’s boldness and courage, even in his sufferings, they themselves grew in courage and became bold in their walk with the Lord and in their defense of the Gospel.

One of the definitions of a “leader” is “one who goes before.” When David fought Goliath he was acting as a leader of God’s people. He was going before them to show them that it could be done. He gained victory to show them that victory could be theirs as well. He went before them to show them the way and to show them that fighting giants was possible. In the same way, Jesus was a leader for us. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20) Jesus came to show us that, by the power and grace of God, it was possible to live a life free from sin and to find acceptance and entrance before the presence of God. “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession… Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14, 16 NKJV) Through Jesus’ example, and faith in His promises, we can come boldly before the very throne of God to receive what ever we might need in our time of trouble. Jesus went before and He is now calling us to follow.

In the same way, we are to be leaders for the world around us. We are called to be people who go before, to show the way, to open the doors for others to follow. We should live our lives as examples to others that they may see and follow. Our lives should give “permission” to others to believe God and to trust in His word.

People are watching. They are watching us to see if the faith we confess is real. They are watching to see if our God is really able to change us and to make a difference in our lives. Even when we are struggling, they are watching to see if God still delivers His people today. People are watching and God is calling us to lead. It is time, just as it was when David faced Goliath, for us to take up our courage and to go forth into the things of God. It is time to find our victory in the Lord and to help show others the way. This is our time and this is our calling! “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

David Robison