Heart of David Ministries

What Defeated Goliath?

by Nathan Shaw

(Word for the United States of America)

Goliath was a demonically empowered Philistine giant, an intimidating force who stood between Israel and her God-ordained destiny. The army of Israel was terrified of Goliath. For forty days Goliath defied and scorned Israel. His challenge was for them to send a single fighter to fight with him. For forty days no one responded. Finally a young lad called David took the challenge and defeated the giant using only a sling and a stone. What defeated Goliath? There’s more to the answer than is immediately apparent. Let’s look at the options.

Saul’s Armor

As soon as David volunteered to confront the giant he was supplied with King Saul’s armor. Saul’s armor was clunky and restrictive on the young David. It may have offered David protection but it gave him little ability to move with speed and agility. David turned down Saul’s armor. Instead he opted to use a strategy that was both unconventional and unexpected. Saul’s armor played no part in defeating Goliath.

David’s Sling and a Stone

David appeared before the giant armed with only a sling and five carefully selected stones. In the natural it looked like certain defeat. Goliath had the upper hand in every way—strength, size, fighting skill and impregnable armor. However, David had discerned the one point of vulnerability in Goliath’s armor. With precision and force the stone from David’s sling went straight into Goliath’s skull. The giant fell face down.

Goliath’s Sword

In an ironic twist David took Goliath’s own sword and killed him. The very thing intended to bring Goliath’s victory had instead brought about his demise. What defeated Goliath? The simple answer is David’s sling, a stone and Goliath’s sword. But that only answers the question on a superficial level. Three additional forces were at play.

Historic Covenant

The nation of Israel was formed through covenant relationship with Yahweh. This covenant was made initially with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The covenant offered protection to the nation. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant. When David heard about Goliath his response was, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). Historic covenant resonated with present authority. David recognized this.

The Unseen Realm

Goliath’s challenge defied Yahweh and His angelic armies. Although unseen they were very present. David said to Israel, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26 italics added). David was very direct in his challenge to Goliath, “I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel...the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:45, 47 italics added). Goliath’s sword, spear and javelin were pitted against the unseen God and His unseen angelic armies.

Faith-Filled Action

Despite the authority that resided in Israel’s historic covenants, in God, and in God’s unseen armies, Goliath was not defeated until David took faith-filled action. David’s faith-filled action defeated Goliath! The intimidating force that operated through Goliath parallels the intimidating forces aligned against many nations today. God is looking for a new breed of freedom fighters.

The Battle Over the United States of America

Massive forces of intimidation are working to abort the destiny and call of the United States of America. The battle has come to every front—education, religion, business, the arts, politics. This is a spiritual battle. Many of the Founding Fathers were men of faith who were devoted to God. Their faith and devotion still prophesy over the nation.

What’s being challenged? Three things stand out:

  1. The attitude of winning.
  2. Courage.
  3. Truth.

David won the battle against Goliath. After his victory Israel started winning again. David displayed uncommon courage. He went on to raise up mighty men who all displayed uncommon courage. David stood for truth. David knew that Israel’s historic covenants, Israel’s covenant God, and God’s angelic armies were a reality far greater than Goliath’s demonically empowered intimidation and lies.

© 2021 Nathan Shaw.

Related Book:

A Defining Moment in History

A Defining Moment in History

There is an intense spiritual battle raging in the United States of America and the nations of the earth. The outcome will be far reaching, impacting future generations and the destinies of many nations. A Defining Moment in History reveals God’s heart for the nations and your role in the unfolding battle.

“This is not a book you can read quickly! Time is needed to ponder the prophecies and let them marinate in your spirit. Their significance, along with the accompanying scriptures, teachings, revelations and insights, make this a very important book to read” – Linda Valen, Ministry Director, Master Potter Ministries.

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