19: The Holy Wrath: Who is this uncircumcised? ( 1Samuel 17:1 – 33)

The battle between David and Goliath was the first event after David’s anointing as king. Additionally, it was after this victory that Saul began to take notice of David. 

👉 Read 1Samuel 17:1 - 33

Q1. (1 – 11) Setting: Israel was discouraged before the Philistines. The (        ) and the Israelites have set up camp on opposing hills, facing each other in a standoff (1 – 3). Goliath came out from the Philistine camp, and he was (           ) feet tall, and his spear-head weighed (          ) shekels (4 – 7). He (          ) Israel’s troops and challenged for a one-on-one match. (          ) and all Israelites were upset and very afraid. (8 – 11)

The ( Philistines ) and the Israelites have set up camp on opposing hills, facing each other in a standoff (1 – 3). Goliath came out from the Philistine camp, and he was ( seven ) feet tall, and his spear-head weighed ( 600 ) shekels (4 – 7). He ( defied ) Israel’s troops and challenged for a one-on-one match. ( Saul ) and all Israelites were upset and very afraid. (8 – 11)

600 shekels = 8 kg

Though Goliath defied Saul and his army, they were powerless to act. This was a deep humiliation, especially for Saul.

Q2. (12 – 19) Jesse’s three (          ) sons followed Saul to war. David was the (                ). Jesse sent David to bring food to the three sons who were in the (                     ). Jesse asked David to bring their (             ) if they were doing well and received the delivery well.

Jesse’s three ( oldest ) sons followed Saul to war. David was the ( youngest ). Jesse sent David to bring food to the three sons who were in the (  battlefield  ). Jesse asked David to bring their ( pledge  ) if they were doing well and received the delivery well.

In those days, joining the army was a privilege for wealth and glory. 

We can sense the nuance that David was a trivial figure in his household. Jesse was concerned about his three eldest sons but not as much about David, as he was willing to send his youngest to the battlefield on an errand.

Q3. (20 – 33) Why do you think David was upset by Goliath’s words? (25, 26)

Goliath defies the armies of the living God.

Q4. Why do you think David asked twice about Saul’s reward? (25, 26, 30)

David was upset that no one dared to fight Goliath for the sake of God's name, making it necessary for Saul to offer such a great reward. It was a humiliation for Israel.

The author repeatedly addresses the reward: the king will make him wealthy and make him the king's son-in-law, and his father will be exempt from tax. This highlights not only the stakes of the battle but also the contrast between the earthly incentives and the spiritual motivations that David saw as more important.

Q5. How did Eliab and Saul respond to David?

“I am familiar with your pride and deceit.”

“You’re just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth.”

Eliab interpreted David’s spiritual vision as prideful ambition. Non-Christians often respond similarly when we confidently face challenges and difficulties.

Saul's motivation in the battlefield was his glory and reputation, relying on the size of his army. In contrast, David's motivation was centered on honoring God.

The same situation, two different responses: while everyone else was afraid to confront Goliath, seeing only his physical might, David was upset that God’s name had been defied. Though David must have also felt fear, he responded with holy wrath.

When you see God’s enemies attack the church and defy His name, do you rise up and fight for His name, or do you remain indifferent because your life and your local church are doing well?