1 Sam 17: 4And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath (Jos11:21-22), whose height was six cubits and a span. 5He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6And he had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders.
A Champion is a middleman, one
who could decide the outcome of a particular battle by one single-handed fight
with a similar champion from the opposing side. He is the go-to guy; many would
see him as the bully that could sort things out with his mean streak.
Goliath was the champion of
Philistine. A big man with many kills under his belt. These wins made him great
among his people. Other nations feared Philistine because of him. He was a
seasoned veteran that knew how to wield a sword.
His height is also very
impressive. He towered over his enemies; not only with his skill, but with his
height as well. In today’s terms, six cubits and a span is translated into 9
feet 9 inches/ 2.97 meters.
Nine is the number of completion
and fulfilment. It signifies the end of a cycle. It symbolizes wisdom and
enlightenment. It reminds us of our strength to overcome any challenge. It is
also a symbol of selfless service.
In Goliath’s case it this number
is a double digit: 9 x 9 = 81. He was the answer to Philistine’s problems. He
was the complete package. Though he possessed the strength and wisdom, he had
the Skilled Intelligence to outwit and overcome his enemies.
His clothing was also very
significant. His head was covered with a bronze helmet, which made him strong
in mind. It showed his endurance and readiness to fight, and it proclaimed to
the armies that he would bring judgement on all who meet his sword.
5 symbolic meanings of Bronze
• Durability—Bronze was durable because of its ability
to withstand extreme heat and pressure. Bronze represented Israelites’ desire
to build solid structures.
• Strength—According to the book of Revelation,
Christ’s feet resembled shining Bronze, a symbol of strength.
• Judgment—It is related to judgment since it is used
to construct objects like sacrificial altars, which represent judgment.
• Purification—Bronze symbolizes
purification, as the Bible suggests. The Lord refines his people by removing
impurities.
• Sacrifice—Sacrifice is seen in the old testament,
where instruments and utensils are made of bronze to make sacrificial offerings
to God. It also symbolizes the blood shed by Christ on the cross. After Christ
was resurrected, his feet looked like polished Bronze, signifying his pain and
suffering on the cross.
Here Christ did not wear bronze
on his head but on his feet. The complete opposite of Goliath. His garment
covered his entire body, and his chest was girded with a golden band. His head
and hair were white like wool, like snow, and his eyes like fire. Christ’s
sword was not in his hand but in his mouth.
Remember: all scriptures lead to
Christ. He is our final destination. He is our hope and our salvation. Not
Goliath, or Saul, but Christ.
Revelation 1:12-16
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
The picture of our Champion or Middleman
looks quite different from that of Goliath.
Because of time and space, this
bible plan cannot go into every detail, but when you have time, study the Word
and see what God reveals to you.
Let us continue…
7Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him. 8Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.”
Goliath was a proven soldier that
displayed a character of one that has endured many battles successfully. He was
the judge of the Philistines and purified by his gods [Dagan, Ashteroth
(Astarte), and Beelzebub], He was willing to lay down his life for his
people. An intercessor with a mandate which made him a force to be reckoned
with.
He was a copycat of Christ that
had appeared to be powerful but was beheaded by David.
Christ is our mediator and judge.
Christ does not copycat anyone; He is the rightful Champion that has given us
the victory by the way of the cross.
Remember that the hedge is
broken. Listen to His voice and rely on Him as your middleman. The one that
stands in the gap. His ways is correct and just. You can trust him with your
life.
Christ commands authority not by
his brute force. Christ’s voice carried healing, protection, authority, dominion,
and peace, unlike that of Goliath, who only commanded death. Israel was in
despair and fear because of what he said.
11When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
Goliath’s voice made them
fearful. They became depressed and mental blocks were erected. The surrounding hedge
became so strong that they have forgotten that the God of Moses, Abraham,
Izaac, and Jacob were with them. Israel believed his lies.
Christ does the exact opposite.
When He speaks, living water is released that brings life abundantly.
Don’t listen to the enemy’s
voice. Let Him show you the way through the hedge. Let Christ be the one that
saves you from every word of despair and fear the enemy slings to you. You have
been called to reign with Christ and not quiver in the Valley of Elah.
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
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