Bible

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David. A young man slays a giant!

David did not become king right away. It didn't happen for many years. It is estimated that David was anointed to be king when he was about ten years old. His age when he slew Goliath is argued about to this day. When searching for his age estimates show it to be from 14 to 20 years old. He is believed to have been at most younger than 18.

David at his young age already had great faith in God. Because of this faith he showed no backing down when he faced Goliath even though Goliath was very big and threatened him.

1 Samuel 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. KJV

When we hear the word giant we often picture those from fairy tales. This giant wasn't one of those make believe monsters taller than a house. He was very big though. Here is the bible verse giving his size.

1 Samuel 17:4 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. KJV

1 Cubit=18 Inches 1 Span=9 Inches
6x18 inches = 108 + 9 inches = 117 inches
117 inches / 12 = 9.75 feet or 9 feet 9 inches

Shaquille O'neal is 7 feet 1 inch. That's 2 feet 8 inches shorter than Goliath. That didn't stop David. Understand though that it was not David himself but God working through David. Still it required David to make a choice. Run or have faith in God and stand.

1 Samuel 17:48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. KJV

This was not the first time David showed such faith and bravery. Saul, the king at the time, did not want David to fight Goliath. David let him know that when he was watching his fathers sheep he had already shown faith and bravery.

1 Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. KJV

Like I said. I'm not telling you to go out and fight a bear. I am letting you know that even though you are young you can still do great things. So don't worry about the adult things you aren't allowed. Live for God, have faith in Him and follow his commandments. You may or may not be chosen to be great but you will enjoy life much more than you would if you were drinking, smoking, or trying any of the other things you aren't allowed.

Study God's word

To find out more about faith and God's word don't forget to read the bible. You may not understand at first but study each day and pray to God and ask Him for wisdom and understanding. Let Him see that you love Him and won't give up. May God bless you all.