THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR TO THE EYE. We often have to go deeper to get the real story. Take the account of David and Goliath (see I Samuel, chap. 17). Whether historical or symbolic, its epic portrayal of a battle between two legendary figures carries with it an underlying universal message. More than a chronicle of colliding physical forces, it's a story of the power of Spirit over matter.
Briefly told, a giant Philistine named Goliath had trained to become a human war weapon. His appearance on the battlefield is depicted in extraordinary terms: well over nine feet tall, body armor exceeding 150 pounds, lots of additional heavy brass to protect his head and limbs, a spear so huge it displays an iron spike weighing 15 pounds. For additional defense, a shield bearer is stationed in front of him.
This formidable image immobilizes the Israelities — except for a shepherd boy, David, whose moral courage and spiritual strength greatly exceed his physique. He recounts his daring feats when protecting his flocks, confident this will prove him worthy of confronting Goalith: "The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."
