“Today’s lesson is about the Nephilim,” Professor Bourne said.

“The… Whaa?” Patrick said.

“These are the giants of Goliath’s family.” Professor Bourne said. “These tyrants plague the Israelites for centuries, are first mentioned after the flood (see Genesis 6:4), become prevalent during Moses’ day, and diminish during David’s reign. Who wants to share how many spies Moses sends when he surveys the Promised Land—aka ‘Giant Territory’?”

“Twelve,” Patrick said.

“Are these spies confident?”

“Only Joshua and Caleb see themselves as victors; the others have ‘grasshopper mentality,’ (see Numbers 13:13 KJV),”

“Good. Let’s fast forward to David’s time. The Israelite army is still struggling with ‘grasshopper mentality’ until David defeats Goliath. Who can describe Goliath’s stature?”

“Goliath stands ‘six cubits and a span’ (1 Samuel 14:4 KJV),” Shaquita said. “That’s nine feet six inches. So, this hulk towers four feet above David.”

“What reputation does this looming giant have?”

“Goliath is called ‘The Champion’ in several passages of Scripture (1 Samuel 17:4, 23, 51 KJV),” Ariel said, “So among the giants, he is their best warrior.”

“Austin, describe Goliath’s weaponry and armor.”

“He carries a spear that’s ‘like a weaver’s beam.’ He has mail chain covering his torso and legs, plus, he wears a thick leather helmet (1 Samuel 17:6-7b KJV).”

“Think of the weight of his armor,” Raphael said, “he has to be a mega-man just to lift that spear, much less fight with that much gear on.”

“Professor Bourne,” Maria interjected, “if Goliath looks so menacing, why does he need an armor bearer? Look at I Samuel 17:7, ‘And one bearing a shield went before him.’ (1 Samuel 17:7b KJV).”

“That’s a great question.” Professor Bourne said. “Not only is Goliath their best warrior, David is in a two-against-one situation. Who has insight into Maria’s question?”

“I did some research,” Bella said. “The giants in Goliath’s family could’ve had pituitary gland disfunction which caused tumors to form on their optic nerve. This condition could result in poor eyesight.”[1]

“So, does David defeat Goliath because he determines the giant’s weakest attribute?”

“I don’t think so,” Bella said, “David’s victory has more to do with his belief system….”

“Ahh! Yes! Keep sharing….”

“David may or may not know about Goliath’s poor eyesight, but he does know to obey Lord’s promptings. Just like he knows to carry his own sling rather than dress in Saul’s armor, David trusts God to direct him when and where to take aim.”

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord.

~Zechariah 4:6 KJV

“Let’s take this a step further,” Professor Bourne said. “David teaches his men to model God-directed living. Because of this, the Israelites enter a time of peace. Turn to II Samuel 21-22. David is King now. His warriors fight four consecutive battles, each time defeating a giant. In David’s victory song, instead of pointing to their army’s prowess, he proclaims God as the reason they conquer their foes. Share your favorite verses….”

“I like, ‘For by thee I have run through a troop.’ (2 Samuel 22:30 KJV),” Raphael said. “God makes them agile and fearless.”

“‘God is my strength and power; and he maketh my way perfect.’ (2 Samuel 22:33 KJV)” Patrick said. “God completes them.”

“Gals and guys, here’s the point of today’s lesson:  In life you will face enemies that are stronger than you. They might not be Nephilim, but you will have battles. Remember this: God is greater than any foe. As you rely on Him by knowing and praying the Word, you become the victor. Billy Graham once said, ‘Become grounded in the Bible. As Christians, we have only one authority, one compass, the Word of God.’[2] Do this and you will succeed.”

Lord Jesus, thank You that as I partner with You, I become a victor.

Giant Wars is a fictional story; the facts are true. 

Copyright 2019: Giant Wars: VineWords: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved