Day 11 – 1 Samuel 17:1-3

Personal Scripture Reflection

1 Samuel 17:1-3

As we begin Chapter 17, one of the most well known chapters of God's Word, I feel led to slowly examine the great battle between David and Goliath.

"Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them." (1 Samuel 17:1-3)

The Philistines gather their armies and move into Judah's territory. Saul and the men of Israel respond by assembling their own forces in the Valley of Elah. The armies stand on opposite mountains with a valley between them. Both sides are present. Both sides are armed. Yet nothing happens.

One of my commentaries said, "they are close enough to see one another, yet separated by a space no one is willing to cross. The battlefield is prepared, but the battle itself has not begun."

What stands out to me is that Israel is present, but they are not advancing. God's Word shows that being assembled is not the same as being ready. Have you ever had everything you need for something, but not ready to begin?

I remember going zip lining for the first time. They gave me a short class on my harness. I put it on. The instructor checked to make sure it was on properly. I proceeded to the tower that was eight hundred feet in the air. A valley filled with water was below. Another instructor hooked my cord to the line and verified that my harness was on properly. Then he said, "You my go whenever you are ready." I was not ready. In fact, I was contemplating unhooking and going back. I looked ready on the outside, but I was not ready on the inside.

Spiritually, this reminds me how easy it is to appear prepared on the outside while remaining delayed on the inside. Israel has an army, a king, and a cause. However, it was fear and uncertainty that begun to shape the situation before anyone spoke a word.

Many battles are lost before they are fought. Not because of lack of resources, but because of a lack of confidence in God. The valley between both armies represents more than distance. The valley reveals hesitation, fear, and waiting for someone else to act.

Is something holding you back from serving the Lord?