David: Is There Not A Cause?

For many Bible students, First Samuel chapter seventeen will always be synonymous with David’s boldness in the face of Goliath’s adversity. Rightly so, it is undoubtedly a focal point of the chapter. Beyond that, the chapter would contrast the boldness of faith with the weakness of carnality. David would confidently stand before the giant, and the armies of God’s people would cower in fear (1 Sam 17:16). David certainly is provided to us as an example of faith, dependency, and boldness, but beyond these things: Concern.

Forty days. Forty days of taunting. Forty days of defamation. Forty days of blasphemy. Israel, a nation that ought to be familiar with the mighty hand of God, stood in fear. They allowed the slander to persist. They let their God be disgraced - not simply in the words of the Philistine, but by their actions. Cowardice emboldens your enemy, leads to defamation of God, and ultimately showcases your lack of faith in God. Israel showed concern for themselves - David showed concern for God.

David would expose the error of his brethren, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam 17:26). David would demonstrate where the mind of God’s people ought to have been, “… Is there not a cause?” (KJV/ASV). Is there not a reason? A reason to pursue this man? A reason to stand while everyone else sits? A reason to step forward? Why, of course. The reason was as plain as day - God is slandered, and those who claim to fight for Him are sitting on their hands!

Today, God is still being slandered. Today, many claim to be of the armies of God, but they sit on their hands while their commander is blasphemed. Today, we need men and women to realize: There is a cause. There is a cause for warfare, though spiritual (Eph 6:12). There is a cause for defense (1 Pet 3:15). If you would allow, our Lord is on the chopping block - will we stand with Him as David did? I know He would stand with us (2 Tim 4:17)