1 Samuel 17 - The Story We Keep Getting Wrong

A BLD Reflection on Obedience, Power, and the True Source of Skill

For generations, the story of David and Goliath has been told as an underdog tale—the small, fragile, unlikely hero defeating the giant no one else dared to face. It’s become a symbol for beating impossible odds, overcoming challenges, and “believing in yourself.”

But that interpretation, while popular, misses the entire point of the biblical narrative.

David was never the underdog.

Not for one second.

When we look at the Scriptures—not the cultural retelling—what we find is not a weak boy versus a powerful giant. We find a fully equipped, divinely prepared, spiritually skilled servant of God standing opposite a man who had size, weapons, and armor—but no defense in the realm that actually mattered.

David wasn’t outmatched.

Goliath was.

The Power Was Never in the Sling

The story begins in 1 Samuel 17, but the setup goes far beyond a battlefield. David’s real preparation took place long before he arrived with bread and supplies for his brothers.

He spent his youth obeying his father, tending sheep with diligence, honoring the commandments, serving Saul with humility, and behaving “wisely” in all things.

David lived in obedience.

David lived in the laws of God.

David lived under divine order.

This obedience was not weakness—it was training.

It was his discipline.

It was his preparation.

It was his advantage.

David’s “strength” wasn’t found in weapons, armor, or physical build.

His strength was found in alignment—with God’s laws, God’s wisdom, and God’s will.

Meanwhile, Goliath—the one the world saw as strong—stood in complete defiance of God. Scripture calls the Philistines “uncircumcised,” meaning outside the covenant, outside the laws, outside the blessing.

So ask yourself:

The True Skill Gap

People often talk about Goliath’s size, armor, and experience. But size does nothing against righteousness. Armor cannot protect against divine judgment. And experience means nothing when used in rebellion.

David was equipped with something Goliath could never possess:

• obedience

• purity

• humility

• faith backed by works

• alignment with God’s commandments

• and a relationship with the Most High

This creates a skill gap so massive that the giant never stood a chance.

Goliath trusted in steel.

David trusted in the Law.

And when the laws of God are at play, giants fall like pebbles.

This is not the story of a weak boy beating a giant.

This is the story of a righteous man overpowering a sinner, because righteousness is always stronger.

This is not an underdog story.

It is a power story.

The Misconception That Weakens Us

When we misunderstand the story as “little guy beats big guy,” we rob the narrative of its real power. We make it sound like David won through luck, motivation, or cleverness.

But biblically, that is not true.

David won because obedience is strength.

Righteousness is skill.

Keeping the commandments is preparation.

The world sees power in muscles, weapons, rank, and intimidation.

God shows us that true power is found in alignment, faith, and the doing of His laws.

When a person operates in the commandments of God, they become:

• sharper

• wiser

• more discerning

• more prepared

• more protected

• and more victorious

than any giant who stands in rebellion.

This is what the story actually teaches:

What This Means for Us at Be Like David Basketball

Our program is built on the same principle the Scripture reveals:

In the Bible: David prospered because he obeyed God’s laws.

On the court: players prosper when they obey the laws of the game

Laws are eternal principles that govern success.

Just as David aligned with God’s laws, our athletes learn to align with the laws on the court:

• the Law of Balance

• the Law of Energy

• the Law of Positioning

• the Law of Targeting

• the Law of Shooting

• the Law of Percentages

(to name a few)

We’ve discovered that the same truth applies everywhere:

When you operate inside the laws, you gain power others don’t understand.

Some will ignore this message and fall into chaos on the court—just like Israel fell whenever they strayed from God’s commandments. But those who walk in the laws find prosperity—consistency, mastery, and peace in the game.

This is why we teach basketball through laws:

because Christ taught through parables,

because life and Scripture reflect each other,

because eternal principles show themselves in every arena,

even the hardwood of a gym floor.

Giants Don’t Stand a Chance Against Laws

The story of David and Goliath is not about rooting for the underdog.

It’s about understanding where real strength comes from.

David wasn’t lucky. He was lawful.

He wasn’t small. He was aligned.

He wasn’t the underdog. He was the only one on the field truly equipped for victory.

And that is the message we embrace, teach, and live by:

Shalom.