David and Goliath

God had provided (רָאָה) for Himself a king among the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1). He was David, the youngest of the 8 sons of Jesse. After his anointment by Samuel, David was filled with the Spirit of the Lord (1 Samuel 16:13). At the same time, the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and his mental illness manifested (1 Samuel 16:14). Therefore, Saul followed the advice of his servants and asked them to provide (רָאָה)for him a man who could play (the lyre) well (1 Samuel 16:17). The same word רָאָה was used by God and King Saul. It shows that David, like Jesus, found favour in God and man (Luke 2:52). Here is how the author of Samuel described David: "... is skilful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence; and the LORD is with him" (1 Samuel 16:18).
David was put at the side of Saul in the court. He was able to learn first-hand the politics in the palace. He was at that time an apprentice. This was a time of king-making for his future kingship. God's arrangement is magnificent. He put Moses in the palace of Pharaoh to train him the art of leadership to disrupt the court of Pharaoh in the future. Similarly, David was coached at the side of Saul to unseat him in the future. This is the wisdom of God.
When time came, David was put in a real test. Goliath, whose height was six cubits and a span (1 Samuel 17:4) appeared on the scene. He was able to inspire terror among the soldiers of Israel. But in the eyes of David, Goliath was "this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God"  (1 Samuel 17:26). David was determined to eliminate him in the name of the Lord of hosts. The rest is history.
A literary note: When we read 1 Samuel 17 in its entirety, we may notice some cut and paste feelings. In 17:37-38, Saul blessed David and clothed him with armour himself before sending him off to fight against Goliath. But in 17:55, Saul did not seem to know the young man going forth against Goliath. He asked his commander Abner to find out. In 17:54, David brought the head of Goliath to Jerusalem. But in 17:57, Abner brought David, who was still holding Goliath's head in his hand, to Saul. Probably, chapter 17 was not written in one go, but is a compilation of various sources or traditions.
David killed Goliath because he defiled God. But David never laid his hand on Saul whom God had once anointed, even though Saul chased after him to kill him. In the end, Saul killed himself in battle. Similarly, we should not lay our hands on the Principal. Let his destiny run its course. If he departs from the path of the Lord, God will take care of the rest.

My God, my mission is to glorify you. Restrain me from doing any stupid things against my Principal. If I be of any help to him, be with me to carry out Your will. I pray that You deliver him from his illusions. I pray for many of my friends who are now in the darkness of despairs. Let Your presence be felt among us. Amen.