We get to see more into David’s character in this reading. He was an obedient son, his brother Eliab wasn’t a fan of David’s curiosity, and David was very inquisitive. I tend to be a very inquisitive person. In fact, it wasn’t long ago that I had a personality test reveal that as the controlling trait in all areas of my life. The result made me giggle, because I do ask a lot of questions. Sometimes I feel like I’m interrogating instead of simply communicating naturally.
Asking a lot of questions can be a good thing. Not only do we gain information, but we can learn things we wouldn’t have otherwise learned. That knowledge can come in handy down the road to help us or others.
When we confidently understand the situation we find ourselves in, we can be a lot more productive. Sometimes the answers to our questions can help us take an entirely different direction in life. We’ll see how David’s life will soon be changed, and how the questions he is asking here are bringing him clarity.
David was curious about what was happening on the front lines. He was the youngest son, delegated to tend the sheep. He could only imagine and daydream about what his “big brothers” were up to. Did David want to see what the “macho” men were doing?
Imagine his surprise when he saw Goliath. The wheels were beginning to turn when he heard these words. “The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!”
The way David described what he saw in Goliath speaks volumes about David’s own relationship with God. “Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” David’s heart was faithful. That must be part of what God saw there when he secretly anointed him king in 1 Samuel 16.
The simple question David asked here seemed obvious to him. David didn’t seem to cower with the same fear as his brothers and other member of Saul’s army. Why hadn’t they thought about the living God? Without God, weren’t they merely lost?
David didn’t ask just once but needed to hear the message several times. It seems as if David was quite surprised by the men’s lack of honor toward God. Sometimes we need to ask over and over due to our own unbelief. God invites us to ask questions. He isn’t offended by our doubts. He loves us. He knows the attack of the evil one is real. That’s why he stands guard 24/7.
What questions are you asking today? Do you know who has the answers you’re looking for?
Let’s pray …
Heavenly Father, help me to trust you and rely on your promises. Thank you for giving me an inquisitive spirit. I feel like it keeps me on the verge of awe as I seek to draw closer to you and your will for my life. Give me your eyes to see how I can make a difference in this world. I thank you for all the good you have in store for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
