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Reply to "Critique of David & Goliath Lessons, and what the story is about."

I agree with a lot of what you have said, Neil. I might add a couple of warnings and suggestions I have given my Workshop leaders as they prepare their lessons:

This is a very familiar story . . . or is it? Read the passage in a modern translation. You might be surprised at how many familiar details either are not quite the same as we were taught in Sunday School, or else are not there at all.

For instance, all the pictures, songs and most storybooks picture David as a boy. However, the word translated "boy" in some versions in vv. 33 and 42 is probably better translated "youth" (as in KVJ and NASB) or "young man." After all, David already was killing lions and bears (O my!), was a trusted shepherd (not a boy's job), and was sent on this mission by his father (again, not a boy's job). However, David was not yet a skilled soldier. The Bible does not say Saul's armor was too big for him--only that he was unused to wearing it and so was uncomfortable (vv. 38-41). What other surprises do we find in the text?

As we teach the children the story, let us help them get beyond all the stereotypes and get to the real meaning of the story. Its main point is that David had faith in God and a disdain for those who dispised God. It was these personal characteristics that would make him a great leader of Israel and a man "after God's heart."

As Neil notes, God certainly is the one who wins the battle in this story (and David makes sure everyone knows that!).

Kris Edscorn
Director of Ministries
First Presbyterian Church
Kannapolis, North Carolina
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