Ephesians 6:12 tells us we fight, not with mortal men, but with principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age and the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The giant Goliath displayed in 1 Samuel 17:1-11 gives us a picture through which we can understand our enemy. Goliath had a reputation for victories, an intimidating appearance, a degrading rhetoric, and the backing of the Philistines.
Reputation/ Appearance
Goliath was a champion. He had a reputation for defeating his enemies. Several verses record his appearance. He was mammoth! Resources say that his six cubits and a span was 9 feet and 9 inches! His armour, the helmet alone, was bronze. The coat of mail he wore weighed 5,000 shekels of bronze, or between 110-125 lbs. More bronze covered his legs, and he carried a bronze javelin. The spearhead weighed six hundred shekels, or about 15 lbs. His strength was displayed in just what he wore.
A Degrading Rhetoric
What came from the giant’s mouth was set on fire by hell. It was full of deceit and arrogance spoken in defiance.
The Backing of the Philistines
If the giant wasn’t enough, the armies of the Philistines gathered for battle behind him. “Am I not a Philistine? Choose a man. … I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we might fight together.” He spoke for the Philistines.
These relentless taunts left the Israelites dismayed and greatly afraid, like we often are when battling our spiritual foes. But Ephesians 6 also says to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Next week we will reflect on how God deals with the enemy.