The Place Of The Skull

The Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 17:

What does it Providentially mean that the Philistines camped "between" Socoh and Azekah in the Ephes-dammim? (v.1)

[Sowkoh, Sokoh, Sowkow /so·ko/] n pr loc. From 7753; GK 8458 and 8459; Eight occurrences; AV translates as "Socoh" twice, "Shochoh" twice, "Sochoh" once, "Shoco" once, "Socho" once, and "Shocho" once. 1 a town in the lowlands of Judah. 2 a town in the mountain district of Judah. Additional Information: Shocho or Shochoh or Sochoh or Shoco or Socoh = "bushy".

[ʿAzeqah /az·ay·kaw/] n pr loc. From 5823; GK 6467; Seven occurrences; AV translates as "Azekah" seven times. 1 a town in the lowlands of Judah. Additional Information: Azekah = "dug over".

[ʾEphec, Dammiym /eh·fes dam·meem/] n pr loc. From 657 and the plural of 1818; GK 702 and 1956; AV translates as "Ephesdammim" once. 1 a place approx 16 miles (25 km) southwest of Jerusalem. Additional Information: Ephes Dammim = "edge of blood".

[ʾephec /eh·fes/] n m. From 656; TWOT 147a; GK 700 and 701; 43 occurrences; AV translates as "ends" 13 times, "no" four times, "none" three times, "not" three times, "nothing" twice, "without" twice, "else" twice, "beside" once, "but" once, "cause" once, "howbeit" once, and translated miscellaneously 10 times. 1 ceasing, end, finality.

Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong's Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Is the Scripture saying that the Philistines were "dug in the bush where the blood stops" here? (v.1)

Therefore what does this mean but that the Philistines placed all their honor in defending their greatest earthly pleasure, which is right between the legs of the woman, their chiefest joy?! Therefore it's like they are saying, "This is our strength to stop the blood between us in the image of our champion!" (v.1)

And the contrast of that confession is what David came out to sever the head from in the faces of the fear of the sons of Israel so that God's children would take hold of God's promise of holiness in Yahweh's land! (v.2-3)

But what is the point of the testimony of Scripture that magnifies Goliath's form? (v.4)

Romans 6:15–17 (NKJV)

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

Does it have anything to do with the weight and enormity of the pride of Goliah's sin? (v.5-7)

Romans 7:13 (NKJV)

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

Romans 3:18–20 (NKJV)

18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes." 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But before we get caught up in the immensity of Goliath's pride and sin, what is the wisdom here within the Philistine that God is willing to work with? (v.8)

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (NKJV)

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Therefore what is God planning to demonstrate before the face of the Philistine sinners and the cowering Israelites? (v.9)

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)

8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Is it to show and define for them what a "man of God" truly is? (v.10)

But why wasn't there already a "man of God" to be found among them? (v.11)

1 Corinthians 6:5 (NKJV)

5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?

Therefore what is the testimony of Scripture pinpointing then by identifying David as the son of the Ephrathite in Bethlehem of Judah? (v.12)

Does this have anything to do with the son of Ruth, who was born both as a son of Ephrathah and of Bethlehem? (Ruth 4:11, 21-22)

Yes, Ephrathah is an ancient name for Bethlehem, but how can

it be described as both an "ash heap" and "a place of fruitfulness" at the same time? That's because it is two distinct cities that are built around each other like a borough in the midst of a larger and growing community called Bethlehem.

[ʾEphrathiy /ef·rawth·ee/] adj pr. Patrial form 672; GK 718; Five occurrences; AV translates as "Ephrathite" four times, and "Ephraimite" once. 1 an inhabitant or descendant of Ephraim. 2 an inhabitant of Bethlehem. Additional Information: Ephrathite = “ashiness: fruitfulness”.

[ʾEphraath, ʾEphrathah /ef·rawth/] n pr loc f. From 6509; GK 714 and 715 and 716 and 717; 10 occurrences; AV translates as "Ephrath" five times, and "Ephratah" five times. 1 a place near Bethel where Rachel died and was buried. 2 another name for Bethlehem. 3 wife of Caleb. Additional Information: Ephrath or Ephratah = "ash-heap: place of fruitfulness".

Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong's Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Therefore what was the cause of turning Ephrathah (ash heap) into a fruitful place of barely bread (Bethlehem)? (Ruth 4:11)

[Beyth, Lechem /bayth leh·khem/] n pr loc. From 1004 and 3899; TWOT 241b; GK 1107; 41 occurrences; AV translates as "Bethlehem" 31 times, and "Bethlehemjudah + 3063" 10 times. 1 a city in Judah, birthplace of David. 2 a place in Zebulun. Additional Information: Beth-lehem = “house of bread (food)”.

Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong's Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

John 6:33 (NKJV)

33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

Matthew 2:4–6 (NKJV)

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'"

What does this mean that the three oldest brothers followed Saul? (v.13-14)

Is there a connection to a rejection of Samuel's prophecy in this? (v.15)

What does this say about the patience of the Philistines to restrain from shedding blood like a woman whose menopause has "dug in" to cease the strife? (v.1, 16)

Hebrews 12:3–9 (NKJV)

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

Oh, how God seeks to make us "sick" of the shedding of blood!

Romans 3:15–17 (NKJV)

15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known."

Therefore shouldn't the Philistines be honored at least in that desire and wisdom to cease from shedding blood? (v.8, 16)

Revelation 21:24–27 (NKJV)

24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Therefore in what way is Jesse teaching David how to shepherd the sons of Israel that Saul is not? In what way is Jesse a true giver, whereas Saul is only a taker? (v.17-18, 25) (Matt.17:24)

How do we know that Jesse made every attempt to make sure his eldest sons knew that he loved them? (v.19)

What does this teach about the confidence that Jesse had in "all" of his sons as David is sent into the heat of the battle to be face to face with his enemies, both foreign and domestic? (v.20-22)

But which enemy does David intercede for except those who have covenanted with the Most High? But what is it that confuses David in seeing the faces of those who fear the enemies of Yahweh? (v.23-24)

James 4:4 (NKJV)

4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Isn't it the confusion and the fear in the heart of their motivations? (v.25)

James 3:13–18 (NKJV)

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Therefore aren't they, too, just like that dog on the other side of the battleline whose greatest honor is dug in deep in the face hiding behind the bush of their greatest sinful pleasure? (v.25)

Romans 3:9–20 (NKJV)

9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." 13 "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips"; 14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes." 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Mark 7:24–30 (NKJV)

24 From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. 25 For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." 28 And she answered and said to Him, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs." 29 Then He said to her, "For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter." 30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

But what does David hear and see that his blind brothers are not willing to see? Aren't the Philistines a "reproach" on their so-called holiness? Isn't this a carnal motivation which they hide their faces behind like the pride behind the bush of the Philistines' reproach on Israel's God? (v.26)

Isaiah 64:6–8 (NKJV)

6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away. 7 And there is no one who calls on Your name, Who stirs himself up to take hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us, And have consumed us because of our iniquities. 8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.

[ʿed /ayd/] n f. From an unused root meaning to set a period [compare 5710, 5749]; TWOT 1564a; GK 6340; AV translates as "filthy" once. 1 menstruation. 1A filthy rag, stained garment (fig. of best deeds of guilty people).

Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong's Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

(ʿid·dā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 5708; TWOT 1564a—LN 23.142–23.184 menstruation, woman's period, i.e., the action of a discharge of blood and tissue debris from the uterus, with the associative meaning of ceremonial uncleanness and undesirable filth (Isa 64:5[EB 6]+)

Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Why do these men fear the faces of the snarling dogs over the face of the living God? Instead, they fear one man who is dead in trespasses and sins! Is Israel any better than a dead dog while they fight amongst themselves for carnal riches?! Do they have a right to mock the Philistines' uncircumcision while they remain uncircumcised in mind and heart? Why do they persist in this motivation?! (v.27)

Ecclesiastes 9:3–5 (NKJV)

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

Why do David's "elder" brothers believe they are serving the "greater" cause? (v.28)

What is the "God" with a capital "G" that David's brothers are serving if it is not the glory of the nation itself as the greater cause? (v.29)

Why are they looking upon their own father's house as a "few" sheep? Do they see Israel as a greater good than Jesse's little fellowship of Spirit and truth? (v.17-19, 28)

John 4:24 (NKJV)

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

But doesn't David see it too, but only to a greater and more spiritual degree? (v.29-30)

1 Corinthians 2:12–16 (NKJV)

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Now isn't this the attitude of a true spiritual king? (v.31)

John 4:22–23 (NKJV)

22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

Wasn't it upon this Spirit that their fathers first entered the land of promises where milk and honey flow?! (v.32)

Deuteronomy 6:4 (NKJV)

4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NKJV)

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Therefore doesn't the king intercede for the whole land and not just his own house like Saul has been laboring for? (1Sam.15:12)

But why serve for exemption when you can serve for the liberty to give willingly instead of permitting yourself to be plundered to redistribute a pork barrel for special favors? (v.25)

Proverbs 1:10–19 (NKJV)

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse"— 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

But why should Saul be forced to send a boy to do a man's job? (v.33)

Is it because Saul has not yet learned what a "man" is because he takes pleasure in feeding the dogs of his own house with his leftovers? (v.25, 34-37)

Matthew 15:21–28 (NKJV)

21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." 23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." 24 But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" 26 But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." 27 And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Therefore Jesse was no dog in Israel! (v.28)

But what good is a holy man in the armor of a novice? Especially when it hasn't been tested by the power of the Word of God! Isn't that what Saul has been lacking as king from the beginning? (v.38-39)

David would be better off with fig leaves than the menstrual clothes of Israel's lepers and dogs! (v.38)

Genesis 3:7–11 (NKJV)

7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" 10 So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." 11 And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"

Genesis 3:21–24 (NKJV)

21 Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. 22 Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"—23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

A holy man cannot walk in the skins of a beast! (v.39)

Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV)

6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.

Galatians 3:27 (NKJV)

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Romans 13:12–14 (NKJV)

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Daniel 4:16 (NKJV)

16 Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him.

No! David must use what is ordinary to him, that which is natural to his training as the shepherd of his father's sheep. (v.40)

2 Timothy 3:14–4:2 (NKJV)

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

When we as Christians walk in the confidence of our God, what does the world need that we don't to guard itself against temptations? (v.41)

Matthew 18:6–11 (NKJV)

6 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! 8 "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. 10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

And why does the world despise (the godly) for their claim to holiness and righteousness? (v.42)

Titus 2:15 (NKJV)

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Jude 8–11 (NKJV)

8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of ((dignitaries)).

δόξα (doxa). n. fem. glory, splendor, honor. Refers to the honor which is accorded to, or the splendor which characterizes, a person or thing.

The NT never uses doxa with the meaning of "opinion," as is most common in secular Greek, and uses it only occasionally to convey the related concept of reputation or honor (e.g., Luke 14:10; John 5:44; 2 Cor 6:8). The meaning of the word in the NT seems to be shaped less by secular Greek usage and more by the Hebrew word כָּבוֹד (kābôd, "glory"), which the LXX usually renders with doxa. The word doxa is used in many ways in the NT. It is most relevant to aesthetic beauty when it is used in connection with the ideas of brightness and majesty. Doxa is often characterized by or used in conjunction with brilliant light (1 Cor 15:40–41; 2 Cor 3:7; Rev 18:1). The divine glory is characterized by such brilliance (e.g., Luke 2:9; Acts 22:11; Heb 1:3). The word is also used to describe the splendor, attire, and domains of royalty (e.g., Matt 4:8; Luke 12:27; Rev 21:24). In this latter sense, the term is applied to God and to Christ as royal figures (e.g., Matt 19:28; Luke 19:38; 1 Thess 2:12; Heb 2:9). The concept of divine glory is thus imbued with a sense of radiance and majestic splendor, even where these ideas are not explicitly mentioned.

Fenlason, A. C. (2014). Beauty. D. Mangum, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & R. Hurst (Eds.), Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

John 1:14 (NKJV)

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Therefore how should we answer those who are not ashamed to burry themselves behind the bushes of this world's honor and esteem in defiance against the Most High and to come out and put Him to the test? (v.43)

Matthew 22:17–22 (NKJV)

17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" 21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

Proverbs 26:4–6 (NKJV)

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Luke 16:14–15 (NKJV)

14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

So yes, you are a dog, Goliath! A dog that has a bark with no bite!! Since you come out of the bush clothed in filthy rags to exalt your gods above the LORD'S chosen and anointed slave of God, you will come to know your death! (v.43-44)

Matthew 10:24–26 (NKJV)

24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Romans 8:31–33 (NKJV)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 6:20–23 (NKJV)

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Therefore what does this say about where David had always held his confidence and his motivation? (v.45-47)

Galatians 5:16–18 (NKJV)

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Philippians 3:1–11 (NKJV)

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1 John 2:28–3:3 (NKJV)

28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Therefore if we are to go to war with the sin in our life, why must we draw near to God (without fear) in order to lose our own head as Goliath did his to obtain the mind of Christ?

Hebrews 4:14–16 (NKJV)

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:22 (NKJV)

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

James 4:7–10 (NKJV)

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

1 Corinthians 2:9–11 (NKJV)

9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV)

16 For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Will God draw near to you while you are still taunting him from such a vast distance of worldly security, shielded behind such worldly cares? (v.41, 44)

God cannot be drawn out by us, but we must be drawn into the battle by His sovereign call. (v.45, 48)

Romans 8:27–30 (NKJV)

27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Therefore how serious are you in putting your sinful mind to death? Do you expect God to draw near to you while you still love the sin that is reigning in your mortal body? (v.49)

Romans 6:1–2 (NKJV)

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

Romans 6:5–7 (NKJV)

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Romans 6:12–14 (NKJV)

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:3–4 (NKJV)

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:6–11 (NKJV)

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

So no! You need to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God! (v.50)

1 Samuel 16:13 (NASB95)

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

1 Peter 5:5–11 (NKJV)

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

And wasn't this the wisdom of the choice champion's honor to reduce the amount of bloodshed on both sides of the battle line? (v.8-9)

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

Ecclesiastes 9:4–9 (NKJV)

4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun. 7 Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. 8 Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.

1 Corinthians 15:32–34 (NKJV)

32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!" 33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Therefore since David had no sword in his hand, where was the weapon that cut down the giant on his mound of pride?

Psalm 119:9–16 (NKJV)

9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

Why do Christians alone have the right to preside over sin? (v.51)

John 1:12–13 (NKJV)

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Isn't it because their victory is in the One who defeated Death and Hell? (v.52)

Romans 7:24 (NKJV)

24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

1 Corinthians 15:53–58 (NKJV)

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Revelation 1:18 (NKJV)

18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Therefore when the "strong man" of sin is bound to death and hell, then his goods can be plundered, for they are no longer good to him. (v.53)

Mark 3:27–30 (NKJV)

27 No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house. 28 "Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"—30 because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

1 Samuel 17:28 (NKJV)

28 Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, and he said, "Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle."

Some suggest that "the place of the skull" is where David buried Goliath's head in Jerusalem. I think they might be onto something. But we do know for sure that Goliath's sword was preserved as a souvenir for the tabernacle. (v.54)

Mark 15:21–23 (NKJV)

21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. 22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.

1 Samuel 21:8–9 (NKJV)

8 And David said to Ahimelech, "Is there not here on hand a spear or a sword? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste." 9 So the priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, there it is, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. For there is no other except that one here." And David said, "There is none like it; give it to me."

Nevertheless, it is plausible that Goliath's head is at the foot of the cross where Christ was crucified to illustrate His triumph over the image of sin!

John 19:17–22 (NKJV)

17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS 20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews."'" 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

Genesis 3:12–15 (NKJV)

12 Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." 14 So the Lord God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

Colossians 2:11–15 (NKJV)

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

And therefore isn't that how it's done? (v.55-58)

Isn't that how you honor your father's house and the one true and living God of your father's nation? (v.58)

Deuteronomy 5:16 (NKJV)

16 'Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Matthew 15:3–8 (NKJV)

3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"—6 then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.