The Battle is the Lord's
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. ~ 1 Samuel 17:47 ~
These words of David to Goliath express David's confidence in facing the giant Philistine warrior. Contrary to popular opinion, David was not a child or a young teen. He is called a warrior in Ch. 16 and had already killed a lion and a bear that had attacked his father's (Jesse's) sheep. The sling with which David was skilled consisted of two leather straps joined by a pouch in which the stone was placed. By whirling the sling in a circle and releasing the outer strap the stone was released with deadly speed. David had only one chance to shoot. Goliath crumpled to the ground but was not yet dead so David ran to him and killed him with his own sword. David had taken five stones with him because Goliath had four brothers and he prepared for them beforehand.
David was confident. David was skilled. David was prepared. But ultimately, he knew that 'the battle is the Lord's!'
No matter what we face in life, no matter our skills and preparation, we can be confident, too, that 'the battle is the Lord's.
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Written by Pastor Frank Humphrey.
Posted posthumously.