“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. 2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.
4 A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.[a] 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels[b]; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back.7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels.[c] His shield bearer went ahead of him.” 1 Samuel 17.1-7
Certain stories stand out in Scripture. Particular events make a name for individuals in the Bible. This is one of those stories.
The giant’s name was Goliath. He was a champion from the Philistine city of Gath, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. He was 9 feet 9 inches tall. His coat of armor weighed 125 pounds, and the point of his spear alone weighed 15 pounds. This was not just a big man; he was super-sized—a massive warrior built to kill, steal, and destroy.
The Philistines camped at Ephes Dammim, while the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah—a valley I’ve visited on a few trips to Israel. It’s an unassuming valley, yet it was the site of a magnificent defeat of Goliath by the young shepherd boy and future king, David. This event would elevate David to the public stage, even though God had already chosen him to rule and reign.
Today, however, the focus is on Goliath, the man who was ready to take on the armies of Israel and seemingly crush them under his feet. We know how the story ends, but if we were hearing it for the first time, we would see Goliath as an insurmountable obstacle to Israel’s victory.
Maybe at the end of 2024, you’ve faced overwhelming odds or incredible defeat. But in the end, it’s not us who fight our battles—it’s the Lord. He is the one who is strong and mighty and will fight your battles for you.
As the New Year dawns, allow your Goliaths to be defeated by God. Trust in the Lord. He is your shield and protector. Place your faith in Him, and allow Him to go before you, beside you, and behind you—to guide your steps, prepare your path, and fulfill His purpose for your life.
“O Lord God, it’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. This life is a fleeting gift. Thank You, Lord, for leading us. Thank You for fighting our battles and defeating our giants. Come now, Holy Spirit, and guide my steps. Allow me to trust You with what seem like impossible odds and immovable obstacles. For You are good, and Your love endures forever. Amen.”