1 Samuel 17:45, New International Version

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”

Do you know the event where David defeated the giant Goliath? Many people do. But how many who have heard this account have taken the time to meditate on the meaning God sincerely wants us to take into our hearts? First, we must recognize that this is not a story like a fairy tale made by man. Second, it is not an event God intended so that we would simply praise or sing songs about David—a man whom God created, gifted, and called. Throughout this event, there is much we can learn: God’s power, His faithfulness, and the trust and honor shown in standing up for His name.

Recently, I revisited this passage of Scripture, and our gracious Lord through the Spirit of truth gave me fresh insight through it.

Throughout David’s life, God reveals the life of Jesus, the Son of God. In this particular battle, David represents Jesus, who came in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel. In turn, Goliath represents the devil and his forces.

Just as the LORD said to Zerubbabel in (Zechariah 4:6 NLT): “…It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” David defeated Goliath not with sword, spear, or javelin, but in the name of the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.

Jesus told His disciple Philip, “…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:19, NLT). Jesus is the perfect reflection of the Father, fully carrying His image. As followers of Christ, we are called to be mirrors—reflecting the great Light, Jesus Himself. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24)

In this battle, under these circumstances, David beautifully represents Jesus. He showed complete trust and honor toward the LORD God Almighty, just as the Son does toward the Father. He walked onto the battlefield without shining armor or the appearance of a king but dressed as he was—a humble shepherd. He did not proclaim who he was but lifted up the name of the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies. With just one stone, he defeated Goliath; with the One Cornerstone—Jesus—the enemy is defeated.

David was a man God created, gifted, and called—and so is everyone who follows Jesus. As long as the enemy exists, we are in a battle, whether we recognize it or not. But remember, you are no different from David: “Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have already overcome them… because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, AMP)

Take heart—Jesus has already won!