A Victory Token

My all-time memorable story of the Bible is David slaying the Philistine giant Goliath. I do not think I am alone on this front. In popular contemporary imagination, this story along with Noah’s ark and Daniel in the lion’s den may be the top three stories of the Hebrew Bible. Malcolm Gladwell’s most recent book entitled David and Goliath Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants has had a personal effect even on the author, to the point of being drawn back into the roots of his Christian upbringing. God is good. This story has much to offer and by way of reflection I think upon the words of Jesse to his son David. He sent him to the battle field where the Philistine giant awaited any would-be challenger. Jesse sent David from the field where he tended his father’s flock of sheep to the battle field to find out the welfare of his sons. Jesse’s words are formative to the story’s plot developing:
 
And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.” (1 Samuel 17:17-18 italics mine)

The latter line “see if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them” captures for us where
this story is headed. We are going to the Valley of Elah where enemy ranks encamp. As the story progresses, David will contest the giant and defeat him with a stone and a sling. The next act is of acute interest. David runs up to Goliath and with his head face down on the ground (a curious pose for someone struck with a stone) he pulls out of the Philistine’s sheath his sword and uses it to cut off his head. This gory image is powerful. We imagine nerve endings hanging out and blood dripping with his hair blowing in the wind. The Philistine’s champion is decisively defeated and Israel’s God has triumphed.

The head of Goliath will be in David’s hand when Saul, Israel’s now former king, summons him into his presence. The scene depicts such grand warrior pedigree. David stands before Saul and is questioned who he is and David replies, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite” (1 Sam. 17:58). It is the pose of victory and the head of Goliath on display for all of Israel to see. Indeed David brings back to Jesse his father and all of Israel a strong reason Israel’s brothers are well. It is the token Jesse has asked for that is now a trophy for Israel. God has triumphed with a shepherd boy leading the entourage. The token is a spiritual and physical one that is showcased for all Israel to see what God has done with His enemies. Indeed when Israel heads into Jerusalem walking and leaping and praising God, David will have the skull of the Philistine on presentation like the Stanley Cup parading down the streets. The token of victory shows Israel has gotten a-head.

- Pastor Ian Scott

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