It is easy for me to reduce the battles of David to his victory over the taunting Philistine giant (see 1 Sam 17). But throughout his life, David needed to wage war on numerous and varied fronts.
David and his men were on the run from King Saul. While in the wilderness they defended the shepherds and livestock of Nabal, who instead of expressing appreciation, insulted David by rebuffing his men. When David was informed, rage washed over him and he set out to kill Nabal and his servants (see 1 Sam 25). A giant of a different sort was taunting David; his pride called out and urged him to avenge himself.
Now king, David had stayed behind, while his army waged war. As he walked on his rooftop he saw a beautiful woman bathing. Right in that moment another battle line was drawn. This time the “giant” that came forth to mock David and his God was lust (see 2Sa 11).
Later in his kingship, David’s eldest son, Amnon faced his own battle with lust. He lost, raped his half-sister, Tamar, and then rejected her. Absolom gave refuge to Tamar, his full sister, constraining his rage until he could avenge her by having Amnon killed (see 2Sa 13). In this sordid mess, David is confronted by yet another “giant”, testing him to see if he puts God’s righteousness before his family.
There isn’t just one giant to slay in life, the battle lines are numerous and varied. But the strategy that leads to victory remains the same. This is what David said to that taunting Philistine:
You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. (1Sa 17)
Victory is assured for those that enter the battle in dependency on the Lord to deliver the enemy into their hands. When David fails to heed this strategy the results are disastrous.
We won’t fare much better. Rage, lust, idolatry or whatever the taunting giant might be needs to be fought not on our own strength, but with the strength that is God given.
How do you wage war in dependency on God?