31/07/2026
*The Fall of Goliath*
1Samuel 17. David vs Goliath.
*What happened:*
1. *David faces Goliath*
1 Samuel 17:48-49
“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.”
2. *David finishes it*
1 Samuel 17:50-51
“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.”
*The Reaction of the Philistines:*
The moment Goliath fell, the whole Philistine army panicked.
1. *They saw their champion was dead*
1 Samuel 17:51
When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.”
2. *Israel chased them*
1 Samuel 17:52
Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.”
3. *They fled in terror*
The Philistines went from mocking Israel for 40 days (1Samuel 17:16) to full retreat. Their morale collapsed because Goliath was their “hero” and symbol of strength.
*The point of the story:*
David makes it clear in (1 Samuel 17:46-47):
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands... for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
So the Philistines’ reaction was fear, defeat, and running because the one they trusted to win was brought down.
1 Samuel 17
1. The Israelites’ Reaction*
The moment Goliath fell, Israel’s fear turned to courage.
1. *They shouted and pursued*
1 Samuel 17:52
“Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued
