ARRAYED AND AFRAID
“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. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.”
The above verses are found in 1 Samuel 17th chapter. Spend the time to read the entire story.
For forty days the armies of Israel and the armies of the Philistines gathered on either side of the mountain of Shochoh and Azekah, with the valley of Elah in between them. Each day Israel’s army came out and arrayed themselves with their armours of war; swords, shields, helmets, etc. while they listened to the champion of the Philistines’ army; Goliath taunt them. The Israelites were deadly afraid. Why the fear?
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. I Samuel 17:4. The research indicates that Goliath was over ten feet tall. That would definitely make for an environment of fear. Can you imagine someone that tall? Besides he was not a silent giant. He came out each day and taunted the armies of Israel. “Why are you come out?” (This should be either Why are ye come out? OR Why do you come out? AND if the inverts are gonna be used then the correct word quote needs to be used instead) He would shout. “Send out a man to fight me, if you can. If he can beat me then we will be your servants.” (Cannot be written I quotes not the exact words of the speaker ) They had no one to match him in size, so the best that they could do was come out each day and listen to his taunts. The fear the Israelites was experiencing was crippling. The sight of Goliath immobilized them. His words sent shivers through their bodies.
King Saul wanted a victory so he decided to add an incentive; sweeten the pot, if you will. “…and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.” I Samuel 17:25. Great honour and riches would be bestowed on the person who volunteered to fight the Philistine and yet King Saul could not get any volunteers. His bravest and boldest warriors were quaking in their boots. They would have loved to take up King Saul on his offer, they would have enjoyed the prestige of being the King’s son-in-law and having their family free; but they were unable to accept the challenge because of fear.
Let us examine the issue of fear. Fear can be defined as “a painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger.” Anyone looking at Goliath was expected to be killed. He was so gigantic. He was so huge. He seemed like a mountain standing before the Israelites. There was no way any human being could fight this man. This battle was lopsided. The Israelites did not have anyone comparable in size or stature to do battle with him. Their fear was real. They were afraid and felt that at any given moment, if Goliath got tired he could destroy the whole army.
ARRAYED AND AFRAID
“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. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.”
The above verses are found in 1 Samuel 17th chapter. Spend the time to read the entire story.
For forty days the armies of Israel and the armies of the Philistines gathered on either side of the mountain of Shochoh and Azekah, with the valley of Elah in between them. Each day Israel’s army came out and arrayed themselves with their armours of war; swords, shields, helmets, etc. while they listened to the champion of the Philistines’ army; Goliath taunt them. The Israelites were deadly afraid. Why the fear?
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. I Samuel 17:4. The research indicates that Goliath was over ten feet tall. That would definitely make for an environment of fear. Can you imagine someone that tall? Besides he was not a silent giant. He came out each day and taunted the armies of Israel. “Why are you come out?” (This should be either Why are ye come out? OR Why do you come out? AND if the inverts are gonna be used then the correct word quote needs to be used instead) He would shout. “Send out a man to fight me, if you can. If he can beat me then we will be your servants.” (Cannot be written I quotes not the exact words of the speaker ) They had no one to match him in size, so the best that they could do was come out each day and listen to his taunts. The fear the Israelites was experiencing was crippling. The sight of Goliath immobilized them. His words sent shivers through their bodies.
King Saul wanted a victory so he decided to add an incentive; sweeten the pot, if you will. “…and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.” I Samuel 17:25. Great honour and riches would be bestowed on the person who volunteered to fight the Philistine and yet King Saul could not get any volunteers. His bravest and boldest warriors were quaking in their boots. They would have loved to take up King Saul on his offer, they would have enjoyed the prestige of being the King’s son-in-law and having their family free; but they were unable to accept the challenge because of fear.
Let us examine the issue of fear. Fear can be defined as “a painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger.” Anyone looking at Goliath was expected to be killed. He was so gigantic. He was so huge. He seemed like a mountain standing before the Israelites. There was no way any human being could fight this man. This battle was lopsided. The Israelites did not have anyone comparable in size or stature to do battle with him. Their fear was real. They were afraid and felt that at any given moment, if Goliath got tired he could destroy the whole army.
Is there any fear that is crippling you today? Is there something in your life that is causing you to be afraid? Utilize the emotion you are feeling to turn your eyes upon Jesus. He is larger and greater than the fear you are currently experiencing. He can give you the peace that passeth all understanding. Peace is the emotion needed to conquer your fear. God can provide this PEACE for you.
Is there any fear that is crippling you today? Is there something in your life that is causing you to be afraid? Utilize the emotion you are feeling to turn your eyes upon Jesus. He is larger and greater than the fear you are currently experiencing. He can give you the peace that passeth all understanding. Peace is the emotion needed to conquer your fear. God can provide this PEACE for you.