A Revival of Purpose and Courage

A Revival of Purpose and Courage

Robert J. Hawkins Jr.

General World Mission Director

“And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:25-29).

David's faith and courage in volunteering to fight Goliath was an embarrassment to his older brother Eliab, a warrior in King Saul's army. He may have thought, “If my little brother defeats Goliath everybody will wonder why didn’t I go out and fight him.” David’s boldness may have interrupted the temporary ease of conscience Eliab found in the other soldiers as they declared that defeating Goliath was impossible. Why, even King Saul would not face Goliath. So why should Eliab feel bad? But, conviction as to his fears and inaction made him uncomfortable and the Bible records that Eliab’s anger was kindled against David. He accused David of being prideful and having evil motives—false accusations meant to discourage, deflate, and turn David away. Instead of becoming excited by David’s bravery and encouraging him, Eliab tried to drag David down.

Those were potentially devastating words from David’s older brother. The Bible tells us, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). The defeat of Goliath had enormous implications for Israel and its enemies. Satan had gambled a great deal on Goliath's frightening power. The enemy realized that David had the favor of God to turn the tide of the battle. So, wherever Satan could find the opportunity in the attitudes of those close to David, he capitalized on them. The words of Eliab may have been much more difficult to overcome than anything that Goliath had to say or the sight of his intimidating presence.

God allowed David to be tested by those close to him. When a spiritual Goliath presents itself, be assured you will face similar trials. When you make decisions to step out and follow God it will put pressure on others to do the same. If not inspired by you, their shame and lack of faith will move them to put you down. Eliab publicly asked David, “…and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness?” in order to label and limit David as a mere shepherd boy in his eyes—and everyone else’s. But David knew what Peter declared many years later, “...Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34, 35). Disregard the gainsayers and say with David, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” and do it!