Wednesday, October 19 He sneered at him in contempt.​—1 Sam. 17:42.

[Áine]

Wednesday, October 19

He sneered at him in contempt.—1 Sam. 17:42.

 

David was viewed as weak by the physically powerful warrior Goliath. After all, Goliath was bigger, better equipped, and better trained for war. David, on the other hand, was just an inexperienced boy who seemed to be poorly equipped for battle. But David relied on Jehovah for power, and he defeated his enemy. (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50) David had to deal with another challenge that could have made him feel weak and powerless. David loyally served the one whom Jehovah had appointed as king of Israel, Saul. King Saul at first respected David. Later on, pride caused Saul to become jealous of David. Saul treated David badly, even trying to kill him. (1 Sam. 18:6-9, 29; 19:9-11) Despite the unjust way that he was treated by King Saul, David continued to show respect for Jehovah’s appointed king. (1 Sam. 24:6) David relied on Jehovah to give him the strength he needed to endure this difficult trial.—Ps. 18:1, superscription. w20.07 17 ¶11-13

[Wayne]

What can we do now to prepare for the future? We need to be content and to find our greatest joy and strength in our relationship with Jehovah. Ps 34:8.

[Paul20]

It often appears that Satan has the upper hand, as did Goliath with David. But with Jehovah's power and backing even an impossible situation can be conquered.

[Gruder]

He sneered at him in contempt.—1 Sam. 17:42.

As David stepped on to the battlefield against the giant Goliath, to onlookers it looked like he was signing his own death certificate. Imagine it, this small little farm boy approaching this battle seasoned war monger! In my mind Goliath yells 'YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME'
At the same time laughing at this puny punk. But the fact of the matter that Goliath didn't comprehend was Jehovah was on David's side! That more than made up for the obvious mismatch!
We know the outcome.

What's the lesson for us? We should never shrink back from taunts of others. Jehovah is clearly in our corner, just like He was for David!!!