PerryDox – BeJustAChristian

Most are familiar with David’s boast in God against Goliath saying, “Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves” (1 Samuel 17:46-47). Focus on that last part – “this whole assembly” is Israel. Why would they need to know?
The answer might surprise you. It is more than just the Israelite army being afraid. What if I told you that the Israelites had already defeated the Philistines prior to this when 2 men, Jonathan and his armor bearer, defeated 20. What if I told you Saul had already led Israel in battle and “the Lord saved Israel that day.” Both are in 1 Samuel 14. How did these two victories come about?
Before we get there, picture in your mind Israel’s army standing opposite the Philistines and Goliath. Do you see a well-armed militia? Maybe, considering Saul had won many battles. But let’s go back to those earlier victories of Israel. The army is described as:
1 Samuel 13:22 – So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hand of any of the troops who were with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
It is still possible that on this battle day, the army was not well-armed which would explain why David says, “and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword of by spear that the Lord saves”. The Israelites could have won without any weapons because God was fighting for them. The lesson for us is profound:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – 1) When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. 2) For I didn’t think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3) I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4) My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, 5) so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.
Don’t try to win spiritual arguments with your own weapons. Arm yourself with Jesus Christ and Him crucified.