Day 110: David and Goliath

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 12.

I. 1 Samuel 17 tells the famous story of young David defeating the giant Philistine warrior Goliath in single combat. David, a young teenage shepherd boy, used his slingshot and brought down an experienced soldier, Goliath. He had been their champion and struck fear in the Israelites, all except David. After he was struck down, the Philistine fled in terror, pursued by the Israelites. This is one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament!

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

David has been training to fight simply by doing his father Jesse's will. Jesse has sent David to guard the flocks, putting his life on the line, and this has prepared him to fight Goliath. We do not know the battles we will face in the future. When we are obedient to the tasks God gives us in the present, we are preparing for future battles... When Goliath draws near, David runs quickly to meet him. Sometimes, we hesitate in doing what is right in the moment. We should ask the Lord when he wants us to wait and when he wants us to "race into battle." David is a man after God's own heart; he does not fight to win prizes or gain glory. He fights because Goliath has insulted the name of the living God. David defends the honor of the Lord. (p. 236)

II. Psalm 12 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. It decries the moral corruption that prevails in society and victimizes the poor. The Psalmist uses the plural "us" to pray on their behalf. Central to the psalm is a contrast between the lying words of men and the trustworthy promises of God. (p. 840)

That's it for today!