Sticks And Stones

Jun 1, 2023

When David faces Goliath, we often focus on the physical fight that takes place towards the end of the 1 Samuel 17.

But there are two battles in that chapter. Sure, we all know about David fighting Goliath. But directly before, David has to fight off the attacks from his brother:

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?”

- 1 Samuel 17:28-29

David had overheard Goliath and wanted to know who was going to fight him. Eliab immediately snapped at his brother and assumed his motivations were bad, clearly missing the purity of David’s heart and the presence of the Holy Spirit within him.

Eliab fires off an attack that cuts deep at David. Other soldiers chime in. The king is alerted. And I’m sure a part of David was humiliated. At least that’s how I would feel. His heart is pure, his motivations are genuine, and his oldest brother – one whom he has looked up to for years – publicly degrades him.

As I reflected on this passage, it started to make Goliath seem like the easier battle. We all know, and have publicly rebuked the age old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” At least I hope no one’s saying that anymore! It couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Fighting Goliath was simple: David either would succeed physically or he wouldn’t.

But the words of men he respected doubting his character? Those were wounds that could stop him from ever truly believing he was capable of anything.

I think we often discredit the power of words. I mean look at Genesis 1, the creation story shows us the power of words, since God SPOKE all things into existence. David’s story is our story, and it reminds us that in order for David to defy his brother, the other soldiers, and the king who was doubting him, he had to know what was true.

He had to believe the truth about God and himself so much that when lies were spoken over him he could reject them from a mile away.

See, Eliab’s words could have sent David back home if he wasn’t sure about who he was, or how powerful God was. But David was so confident in God and so dedicated to being his servant, that even if his brother hurt him emotionally, he wouldn’t stop the spiritual call on his life.

I know lies have been spoken over you, friend. I know they told you you weren’t good enough. I know they said it was too late, you’re too far gone, or your story isn’t going to end how you hoped.

I know you’ve spoken lies over yourself and maybe even over those around you. Today I invite you to examine that core issue. The answer to hurtful words and lies from the enemy, others, or ourselves isn’t toxic positivity. It’s okay to feel hurt. But, the true answer is to examine why you’re believing them. Because if you’re believing them, it’s time to take a look at your foundation. Reaffirm the truth of who God is and what He says about you. And then, the lies may hurt, but you’ll be able to call them out from a mile away.

Eliab tried to stop David, but because he was confident in the truth of God, David was able to defeat Goliath.

The enemy is trying to stop you, but seek the truth of your Father, know and treasure His word, and He will use you to do incredible things for His kingdom, right where you’re at.