Goliath’s Sword
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When David left Gibeah, he failed to take any weapons.
When David asked for a weapon, Ahimelech said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it [to] me” (1 Samuel 21:9). “All Goliath’s armor had become David’s own personal property. It is probable that previously he had himself presented the sword to the tabernacle as a thank offering to God. David was well aware that the tabernacle was not an armory, but probably thinking of the possibility of the sword’s still being there, he asked in an offhand manner whether the priest had any weapons he could borrow. “. . . David appeared happy over the thought of securing this sword, perhaps not so much for its military value as for the constant reminder it would be of the protective guidance of the Lord. He needed such encouragement at this moment.” Ellen G. White further states, “His courage revived as he grasped the sword that he had once used in destroying the champion of the Philistines.” If only David had remembered the Lord had sheltered him in the past, he would have had little to fear for the future and certainly needed no weapon to defend himself. God could marshal the legions of heaven to fight for David if needed. David had panicked and lost sight of his advantages in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Yet God always possessed unlimited ways to deliver him that he had not even considered. David eventually realized what his sin had cost and repented with sincere contrition.
Even in this, God did not forsake him and stood ready to forgive true repentance.
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5).
