I Can Do This Thing

Saul knows not what to do.

He imagines Israel as Philistine slaves. He can see no way of escape.

In his trouble he offers great reward to any one who will slay the proud boaster.

But all feel their weakness. They have a king whom God does not instruct, who dare not engage in any perilous enterprise, for he expects no special interposition from God to save his life. . . . The armies of Israel seemed paralyzed with terror.” “The words of David were repeated to the king, who summoned the youth before him. Saul listened with astonishment to the words of the shepherd, as he said, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ Saul strove to turn David from his purpose, but the young man was not to be moved. He replied in a simple, unassuming way, relating his experiences while guarding his father’s flocks. And he said, ‘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.’” Saul was in a quandary.

“If he refused to let David fight, the army would expect him, as king, to champion their cause. If he let David fight, and Goliath killed him, the battle would be lost and Israel would again be in bondage to the Philistines.” “What a contrast—a humble shepherd lad encouraging an experienced and successful warrior of Israel! Saul, the only giant of Israel ([1 Samuel] 10:23), realized that he should have been the one to accept Goliath’s challenge. But a guilty conscience left him fearful and trembling. . . . David was as courageous as Saul was cowardly.” “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7).