As David approached the giant Goliath, he carefully selected five smooth stones. Why five? Because Goliath had four brothers. With one of those stones, David slew the Philistine champion; but the other four giants remained and tormented David throughout his adult life. In fact, one of the giants – Ishbibenob – would have killed David were it not for the quick thinking and action of David’s general, Abishai (2 Samuel 21: 16-17).
The names of each of these five giants are especially significant. They represent five temptations which must be conquered in a Christian’s life. If we fail to conquer them in our youth, they will plague and torment us throughout our adult life.
Goliath’s name carries the idea of mockery. Goliath certainly did that: “And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? and the Philistine cursed David by his gods” (I Samuel 17:43). It is important to know how to respond to those who mock us and to distinguish between suffering for Christ’s sake and suffering because of our own wrong attitudes. Peter said, “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (I Peter 2:20).
The second giant’s name is Ishbibenob (2 Samuel 21:16-17). His name represents pride. James 4:6 says, “God resisteth the proud…” If God is for you, it doesn’t make any difference who is against you; but if God is resisting you, it doesn’t make any difference who is for you. And when does God resist His children? When they’re proud! But James goes on to say that God “giveth grace unto the humble.” Grace is the desire and the power that God gives us to live in harmony with His principles. The way then to deal with pride and to get more grace (more desire and more power to do God’s will) is to humble ourselves by acknowledging and confessing our sins, and submitting to the authority of God’s Word.
The third giant was named Saph (2 Samuel 21:18) and speaks of hypocrisy. If we are open and honest with God, we will likely be open and honest with others also. David had significant moral failure yet he cried to God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).
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The fifth giant’s name is not mentioned in Scripture, but he is described as having six fingers (1 Chronicles 20:6) – speaking of greed and temporal values. Paul reminds us that “…godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Timothy 6:6). Godliness – developing the character of Christ – needs to become our focus in life rather than the pursuit of material wealth.
What are the giants in your life that remain undefeated? Recognize their potential to bring all kinds of destruction to your life and relationships if ignored and unchallenged.
Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries
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