Lent · The First Sunday in Lent (Invocavit)
1 Samuel 17:40-51
David and Goliath
February 22, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The battle is the Lord's.” (1 Samuel 17:47)
In the previous chapter, Samuel anointed David as the new king. Having departed from Saul, the Lord’s Spirit came upon David, and the Lord sent an “evil spirit” to torment Saul.1Through God’s providence, David has arrived in Saul’s royal court and relieved Saul’s fears with his music. Now the stage is set for David to replace Saul. In chapter 17 the narrator continues to demonstrate David’s superiority to Saul. In the face of the enemy, Saul is paralyzed by fear and cannot see beyond the surface. But David is concerned with the Lord’s honor and convinced that the Lord will give Israel the victory. The people requested a king to lead Israel’s armies in battle. Their focus was on the tangible: they wanted a standing army like other nations had. Here David demonstrates that battles are fought in God’s strength and for God’s honor. Though warriors may show skill and daring, “the living God” is the victor.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
1 Samuel 17 Commentary: David and Goliath, Verse by Verse Enduring Word
A verse by verse evangelical commentary on the David and Goliath account.
1 Samuel 17 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse by verse devotional notes on David facing Goliath.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 Working Preacher
An exegetical commentary on the David and Goliath narrative this reading concludes.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 by Matthew Henry Blue Letter Bible
A classic Puritan-era commentary on David's victory over Goliath.
Background & Word Study
Questions preachers ask
What is the meaning of David and Goliath?
The shepherd boy goes out against the giant with a sling and five stones in the name of the Lord of hosts, and the whole army learns that salvation is not by sword or spear.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Matthew 4:1-11
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.