Definition: And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard [them].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 17:23. It’s a really important part of how God chose to protect David in a big battle! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, Goliath was summoned to fight. “As he talked with them…” – This tells us that David was meeting with a group of Philistine soldiers. “…behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name…” - Goliath was a giant warrior from the land of Philistia. He was known for being very strong and intimidating. He was called "the champion" – meaning he was the most important person in that group. “out of the armies of the Philistines” – This is key! Goliath wasn't just a random warrior; he was part of the massive Philistine army. The Philistines were a people who migrated to the coast of modern-day Israel, and they often fought in large numbers. “and spake according to the same words…” – This means Goliath started speaking. Now, here’s the really significant part: “and David heard [them]” - David was listening to Goliath. He wasn't just passively hearing; he was actively paying attention and understanding what Goliath was saying. So, what does this tell us about the situation? It’s a story of divine intervention. God had chosen David to fight Goliath. Goliath was a huge threat, and without David’s courage and skill, the Philistines would have won. By listening to Goliath, David recognized the immense danger he faced and realized that he was the one who could defeat him. In short, it's a powerful example of God choosing someone to be strong enough to overcome a great challenge. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail?