The Battle Is the Lord’s — Study Handout
1 Samuel 17
Paul J. Bucknell
Christian growth means applying acquired faith to new areas of life. David carried what he learned with the lion and bear into the confrontation with Goliath.
World-old problem
How do you deal with the young who claim that they can do it when you are not sure they can?
Goliath Defies Israel (1 Samuel 17:1–11)
No one there? Is there no one willing to risk his life? How do we handle gangs, peers, and bosses who intimidate us? Do we give in to their authority?
David Entertains the Possibility (1 Samuel 17:12–27)
Why was David not afraid as the others were? What enabled him to see possibility where the army saw only danger?
David Is Sneered Upon (1 Samuel 17:28–30)
God often chooses the little and unknown. Joseph and David were both rejected by older brothers, yet God had chosen them.
David Readies Himself (1 Samuel 17:31–47)
Before the king
David used reason as well as faith. God had enabled him to kill a lion and bear, and David reasoned that this past help showed God could use him here.
Choosing a weapon
Choose the weapon with which you are familiar. David did not imitate Saul; he used the skills God had already developed.
Out in the battle
Battle talk: “The Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s.”
David Leads Israel into Victory (1 Samuel 17:48–58)
Faithfulness brings revived hope. Faith brings us into circumstances where we know the victory is God’s. Everyone is encouraged as well as instructed.
Discussion Questions
- Why did the biblical author spend so much time telling the story of David and Goliath?
- What qualities did David show when he fought the lion and bear that demonstrated his readiness to face Goliath?
- How should older leaders respond when a young person believes God has prepared him or her for a difficult task?
- Where do you need to apply faith already acquired in another area of your life?