David and Goliath – Sight or Insight. (1 Samuel 17: 1-58)

Send us a text

In this episode, we explore one of Scripture’s most familiar stories—David and Goliath—but with fresh eyes. The true drama isn’t found in the size of the giant, but in the contrast between two ways of living: walking by sight and walking by insight shaped by the Word of God.

Everyone in the chapter sees a giant—except David. David sees a blasphemer defying the armies of the living God, and more importantly, he sees the Lord Himself.

That difference—sight versus insight—is the difference between fear and faith, paralysis and courage, human calculation and holy confidence.

Key Themes

1. The Power of Insight Over Visual Sight

Goliath mocks David, seeing only a boy with a stick.

David sees a man defying God—an offense that places Goliath not against David but against the Lord of hosts.

Those who rely on appearances are inevitably shaken; those who rely on Scripture are strengthened.

2. The Lord Who Delivers

David recounts how God rescued him from the lion and the bear—training ground for a giant.

His confidence is not in technique, skill, youth, or courage, but in God’s past faithfulness.

3. The Real Battle

David declares, “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Sam. 17:47).

Victory is not achieved by sword or spear, but by divine intervention.

4. The Outcome: Fear Flees, Faith Advances

When Goliath falls and David uses the giant’s own sword to finish the battle, the Philistines flee.

What men interpret as weakness becomes the very means of God’s triumph.

5. The Loose Ends and the Larger Point

The chapter closes by identifying David’s father, Jesse—because David’s victory brings reward, promise, and recognition.

Yet the deeper truth is theological:

Who you are determines what you see.

A heart shaped by Scripture sees reality as God defines it.

The Takeaway

Those who walk by sight are filled with fear.

Those who walk by insight—biblical insight—are filled with faith.

True courage flows not from personality or temperament, but from knowing God, meditating on His Word, and viewing every circumstance through the lens of His sovereignty.

The Curious Case of Being Human

with Matt Cooper and Isabelle...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com