1 Samuel 17

Following the instructions fo his father, David comes to the battlefield to see the status of his older brothers.  As the Israelites and Philistines stood in array, while Goliath daily mocks the Israelites, David can't help but question the faith and courage of, not only his brothers, but the other soldiers.  As he did, I'm sure as older brothers do -

"...Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:28)

But it is David's response that caught my attention -

"...What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:29)

My thoughts are..."is there not a just and righteous cause to this conflict?  In other words, do we coward and fall back in the works of righteousness when the Lord is on our side?  These words even stirred Saul who already knew and liked David as he played comforting music and at times was his armor bearer.

We learn a great deal about David that he was a special and prepared young man for when Saul questioned his your and fighting ability, David responded -

"...Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:34 - 36)

These we not insignificant feats in themselves.  No wonder David was such a brave and courageous young man... and obviously physically gifted too.  I find his faith and confidence in himself and the Lord as he only -

"...chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:40)

That was all he thought would be required.  We all know the results as David killed Goliath with one shot of a sling and stone.