Day Seven: Why Five Smooth Stones?

 

Picking up smooth stones was a favourite pastime of my family. Even today, when I go camping or hiking, I am always on the lookout for smooth rocks. The array of colour and creative texture mesmerise me. Though I have never used it as weapons I am still drawn to it.

In Biblical times, and for those living in the countryside, it was part of their weaponry. Some might call it barbarism, but for others it's survival. No matter how we feel, we can learn much from this story of David.

Remember that the story of David is for symbolic interpretation, just as the rest of the Old Testament is a symbolic interpretation of our lives. So, when we read about a battle in the O.T., it does not mean that we learn how to do battle physically. Today’s battles are spiritual and mostly within our minds. The more time we spend in the Word, the more we will defeat the strongholds that hold us captive.

Let’s delve into 1 Sam 17 to learn more about the stones and what it means for us.

1 Sam 17: 40Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.

In Hebrew, a stone or eben is a merging of the words father and son (av + ben). Therefore, a stone is not only hard, and used in the right hand a weapon, but shows us the relationship between a father and a son. It is a far worthier choice of ammunition against any enemy that wants to attack you.

The fact that David threw the stone at Goliath’s head is symbolic of a damaged mindset that has to be destroyed. This can only be done by a strong relationship between a father and a son. We learn this first hand from the relationship between the Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ. Christ is our Rock. Because of Him, we can overcome every lie and stronghold that is preventing us from being in a relationship with the Father. When we rely on Him, as our Rock, we can overcome.

So, why did David choose five stones when it only took ONE stone to defeat the great giant? There are many debates about this, but let’s see what the word says about it.

FIVE is associated with grace, the gospel, and anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of fear and depression. It is grace that brings us to Christ and the gospel that gives us the wisdom to stand.

Though it only took one smooth stone to defeat Goliath, David picked up five, a sign that it is the Word that defeats a beast. Jesus was likewise taunted (tempted) for forty days. Like David, He overcame the adversary with one smooth stone by quoting Deuteronomy, the fifth book. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

The hints of the number five are one example of many precious stones scattered throughout the Biblical text. When the Light hits them just right, our (spiritual) eyes see the connections that threaten the entire Bible together in one seamless and flawless tapestry. The same story is told again and again in simple and progressively more detailed and varied ways. That story is the Good News or the Gospel.

Why Are the Stones Smooth?

The Word washes us, like iron that sharpens iron. It brings correction, edifies us and smooths out the rough edges. When the Word is in us, we become the stones in God’s hands. We become One with the Father and the Son.

Each impact, trial, and obstacle that the Living Water subjects us to, wears, carves, and sculpts us into the image of God. The consistent rush of the water threshes the things that offend us until one is as smooth as David’s five stones.

God chose the story of David and Goliath to be one of the first impressions we have about King David. Why do you think this is? Could it be that He wanted us to know how “a man after His own heart” defeated the beast without AND the beast within? I believe it is. We see David battling this dual war throughout his lifetime.

He committed serious sin in his lifetime. But like the water, David was persistent and consistent in turning back to God and repent and let God continue the good work He began in him. As such, he became a “living stone” and a role model for us.

It must be part of our daily walk; to sit by the river (Word) and meditate on it until we become smooth stones that God can use.

This natural phenomenon has deep spiritual implications. The Father’s Light (Lampstand) is always trying to penetrate our minds (and hearts) to remove the blind spots. But like the hard rocks, we must yield to the Word. The will of God is evident: He desires us to be Living Stones in His House.

1 Peter 2:5 - 6

you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

This can never be emphasis enough.

• You must allow the Word to smooth the edges consistently.

• To understand the season, you must study the Word.

• To have vision or sight, you must study the Word.

• To hear/know God’s voice, you must study the Word.

• To be part of the remnant, you must know the scriptures.

• To distinguish who is your champion, you must know the Word.

So far, we have covered the following in this bible plan:

• You must walk with God’s armour and not your own.

• You must choose your place of battle wisely. Make sure you are not in an inaccurate place; this can determine your mindset.

• You must understand obedience and how to activate God’s word. Quickly.

• You must know who your protector is. 

Each step is a conscience choice you must make to enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom.

Grace and peace to you. 

Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five/ Day Six / 

Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine / Day Ten / Day Eleven / Day Twelve