Week 3
They said, “Look at this man! He keeps coming out to challenge Israel. The king will give much money to whoever kills him. He will also let whoever kills him marry his daughter. And his father’s family will not have to pay taxes in Israel.”
David asked the men who stood near him, “What will be done to reward the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the shame from Israel? Who does this uncircumcised Philistine think he is? Does he think he can speak against the armies of the living God?”
The Israelites told David what would be done for the man who would kill Goliath. When David’s oldest brother Eliab heard David talking with the soldiers, he was angry with David. He asked David, “Why did you come here? Who’s taking care of those few sheep of yours in the desert? I know you are proud and wicked at heart. You came down here just to watch the battle.”
David asked, “Now what have I done wrong? Can’t I even talk?” When he turned to another person and asked the same questions, they gave him the same answer as before. Yet what David said was reported to Saul, and he sent for David. —1 Sam. 17:25–31
David begins asking about the reward for defeating Goliath. Though this might seem like curiosity or ambition toward earning the reward, it’s more likely David’s way of challenging why no one had stepped forward in faith.
His brother Eliab scolds him, assuming he had impure motives. But David pushes back—“Can’t I even speak?” (v. 29). His persistence stands out. While others retreated in fear, David was the only one even talking about taking action.
Interestingly, David didn’t volunteer himself to Saul. He wasn’t self-promoting. He simply asked questions, and through these bold questions, someone brought him to the king. David let the effects of his courage unfold—and in doing so, God revealed his next quest.
Reflection Questions
Why do you think God has allowed your current circumstances?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?