Saul’s idea of hand-to-hand combat was ridiculous. And heaven-bound prayers are our best shot, too.
David arrived at Israel’s military encampment armed with “an ephah of…dried grain… ten loaves, and…ten cheeses” for “the captain of their thousand” (1 Sam 17:17-18). But, it turns out, he also had his trusty slingshot. When he saw the standoff between Goliath and what he calls “the armies of the living God” (v 26), he knew it was time for action. “Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him” (v 31). Offering his services to the king, Saul stated that David wouldn’t have a chance. After all, he was “a youth” (v 33), lacking experience. But David pulled out his resumé. It was quite impressive: “When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them” (vv 34-36). The devil, like a lion, mauls you to death; the world, like a bear, hugs you to death. But they’re no match for the believer who comes by faith “in the name of the Lord” (v 45). Thinking the weapons of our warfare are carnal (2 Cor 10:4), Saul offers his coat of mail, bronze helmet, and sword (1 Sam 17:38-39). Bad idea! David wouldn’t get within ten feet of the giant. Note: it wasn’t that they didn’t fit; he said, “I have not tested them” (v 39). Better to go with a sling that he had proven than with a Sherman tank he hadn’t put to the test. And we are better with a few verses we know are true than great untried theories. We know the outcome here. The battle was very lopsided— asymmetrical warfare to the max. Goliath was all alone; David had the Lord! And so do we!