Aftermath of a Giant-Killing

Message Summary:

In this message bridging 1 Samuel 17 and 18, Chuck Swindoll examines the immediate, often turbulent reality that follows a great spiritual victory. Swindoll dispels the myth that killing a “giant” leads to a life of ease; instead, he argues that the “aftermath of a giant killing” often leads to the deepest low tides of life. He emphasizes God’s grace in not revealing the future, noting that if David—or we—knew the trials that lay five years ahead, we would likely be unable to bear them. Therefore, God dispenses life “one day at a time”.

Swindoll traces four specific relationships David had to navigate immediately after his victory in the Valley of Elah:

1. Relationship of Submission (with Saul): David returned to the court not as a conqueror, but as a servant who went “wherever Saul sent him,” proving that true greatness involves loyalty and submission to authority.
2. Relationship of Affection (with Jonathan): God provided David with a “kindred spirit” to help him survive the coming darkness. Swindoll defines the four marks of an intimate friend: sacrifice, loyal defense, emotional freedom, and spiritual encouragement.
3. Relationship of Elevation (with the People): As the women sang “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands,” David faced the test of popularity. Swindoll notes that adversity is hard, but success is the greater test, which David passed by “behaving wisely”.
4. Relationship of Opposition (with Saul): Finally, David faced the crushing unfairness of Saul’s jealousy. Despite doing everything right, David became the target of a paranoid leader, teaching us that behaving wisely is the only godly response to an enemy.

Message Key Facts:

• The “Unknowable” Future: Swindoll opens with a reflection on how much life changes in five years—homes, jobs, health, and friends. He argues that God’s silence regarding the future is a mercy, forcing us to trust Him daily rather than worrying about problems we cannot yet solve.
• Answering the Critics: Swindoll addresses a common biblical criticism: Why did Saul ask, “Whose son is this?” (1 Samuel 17:55) if David was already his musician? Swindoll argues Saul wasn’t asking who David was, but about his lineage for three practical reasons: to secure a permanent bodyguard (which required a father’s permission), to pay the dowry for his daughter, and to grant the promised tax-free status to David’s family.
• The Danger of Instant Success: Swindoll cites Mark Spitz and Elvis Presley as examples of how public applause and overnight success can destroy a person. David, however, “prospered” (or behaved wisely) by remaining humble and teachable despite his sudden fame.
• Four Characteristics of an Intimate Friend: Using Jonathan as the model, Swindoll outlines what a true friend looks like:
  1. Voluntary Sacrifice: Jonathan stripped off his royal robe and armor for David.
  2. Loyal Defense: Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul, even when it was dangerous.
  3. Complete Freedom: David could weep and fall down in front of Jonathan without needing to “straighten up”.
  4. Constant Encouragement: Jonathan went into the wilderness to “encourage him in God”.
• Three Marks of a Wise Person: Drawing from Proverbs to describe David, Swindoll notes that a wise person restrains their lips (10:19), is discerning (16:21), and remains teachable (21:11).
• Handling Unfairness: Swindoll acknowledges that “life is not fair.” Just as the “cheater gets the great grades” and the honest worker is often overlooked, David was hated for doing good. The sermon concludes that we must leave vengeance to God and continue doing what is right.

Message References:

• 1 Samuel 17:55–58: The flashback scene where Saul asks Abner about David’s lineage.
• 1 Samuel 18:1–4: The formation of the covenant friendship between David and Jonathan.
• 1 Samuel 18:5–9: David’s success, the women’s song of victory, and the beginning of Saul’s jealousy.
• Proverbs 10:19: “When there are many words transgression is unavoidable.”
• Proverbs 16:21: “The wise in heart will be called discerning.”
• Proverbs 21:11: “When the wise is instructed he receives knowledge.”
• 1 Samuel 19:4–5: Jonathan’s loyal defense of David to his father Saul.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll