David Ran, Will You?
I Samuel 17
Intro: Four specific times in I Samuel 17, we find that David ran. Let us look at these 4 times carefully.
Definition of Ran – to run; runners; to run swiftly, dart; to bring or move quickly, hurry; to drive away from, cause to run away
Picture of: clear direction; clear sense of purpose; great desire or passion; urgency; great energy or excitement
- Imagine watching a baseball game where there was no running.
- Imagine watching a basketball game where there was no running.
- Imagine watching a football game where no one ran.
- Running is a key factor in winning victory.
I. David Ran because of he was Commanded by his Father – 17:17
David would have never been in the valley of Elah to fight the giant if he had not initially obeyed the Father’s command to RUN’
- Psalms 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
We have been commanded to RUN!
Hebrews 12
- 1 ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
David Ran, Will You?
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
- Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
II. David Ran because he Cared for his Family – 17:22
…ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. And as he talked with them…
He was so glad to see his family, that it motived him to RUN
It motivated him to get up early in the morning…vs. 20
Does your love for the family of God motivate you to get up early in the morning?
David Ran, Will You?
He was so grateful to go check on them.
Notice what he was sent by his Father to do:
Run to the camp – to thy brethren.
- 17 – And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
Notice his job description in verse 15. – feeding his father’s sheep…
He was accustomed to taking care of others besides himself.
- 1 Samuel 17:18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
III. David Ran because he was Challenged by his Foe – 17:9; 48
NOTE: There were a lot of men that day running, but they were running AWAY from the challenge.
- 1 Samuel 17:24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
NOTE: David drew near to the Philistine in verse 40.
He got close enough to stand out from the rest of the army.
Vs. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David.
He got close enough to draw attention to himself.
Sometime, before you can attack, you have to leave the pack.
- He was close enough to be noticed.
- He got close enough to be disdained. (belittled)
- He got close enough to reveal his identity – (youth, ruddy, fair countenance)
- He got close enough to have his weapons mocked (staves)
- He got close enough to hear the cursing – vs. 43
- He got close enough to hear the threats – vs. 44
David’s Faith overcame his Fear
David’s Cause overcame his Caution
David’s Indignation overcame his desire for Preservation
- Psalms 18:29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
David Ran, Will You?
IV. Ran because he needed to Conclude the Fight – 17:51
All of David’s running would have been in vain if he had not FINISHED WHAT HE STARTED!!
NOTE: vs. 51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
- Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Conclusion: Imagine how many people might be motivated to run, if they see you running?
I Samuel 17
- 52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
- 53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.