2Sa 21:15-22 | KingComments | STEP | At the end of David’s reign, when he is old, old enemies from the beginning, the Philistines, appear again. For us, it means that our old enemy, the flesh, remains active, no matter how old we are. In picture we can also see how attacks are made on the ancient gospel and on Him Who is the Center of it. We may put ourselves at the disposal of the Lord Jesus to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” ( ). David and his men defeat the four giants of the Philistines. David started his fame with the victory over a giant, and here he concludes that victory with the victory over four giants. Their impressive statures and armor do not frighten the men of David. They defeat them in the power of the LORD, as David defeated Goliath. A giant symbolizes pride, self-esteem, arrogance and oppressive power. We are not dealing with literal giants of flesh and blood, but with the spiritual powers in the heavenly places ( ). We see this represented in the name of the first giant. His name is “Ishbi-benob”, which means “his residence is in the high”. This is reminiscent of “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” ( ). To break down these heights – in picture: kill that giant – we do not fight with carnal weapons, but we must use the weapons that are “divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” ( ). The result is that “[we are] taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” ( ). David is old here and his strength has been diminished by everything he has experienced. His men come to his aid when he is in danger of being killed. This shows their love for David. We may have the same love for each other and come to each other’s aid when someone is in danger of being overrun by the enemy, while he himself has no strength to resist. That David, for most of his later life, is not a picture of the Lord Jesus, we also see here. Here we read of an exhausted David. This is a great opportunity for the enemy to knock him down. Fortunately, God makes sure that Abishai is nearby. Abishai comes to his aid and kills the Philistine. This threat of death resulting from David’s diminished strength leads his men to implore him to stop going to fight together with them. The reason they give is that he provides light in Israel. He is their hope. They don’t say he’s too old. We sometimes do, if someone is burdensome. Here it is to protect. Elderly people must learn to leave or surrender things to young people. Ageing brings with it limitations and of these they must be aware of or made aware of. It’s not always easy to be old. Being old can sometimes be a burden for others. The giants are incorrigible optimists. The fact that Goliath was defeated by David does not matter to them. They think they can defeat David. We see in them the great folly to glory in our own strength. They do not know the secret of the power of David and his men. David’s men are not bigger or stronger than other people, but with the help of God, they defeat one giant after another. God prefers the weak things to shame the strong things ( ).

‏ 2 Samuel 21:15-22

Victory over the Philistines

At the end of David’s reign, when he is old, old enemies from the beginning, the Philistines, appear again. For us, it means that our old enemy, the flesh, remains active, no matter how old we are. In picture we can also see how attacks are made on the ancient gospel and on Him Who is the Center of it. We may put ourselves at the disposal of the Lord Jesus to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

David and his men defeat the four giants of the Philistines. David started his fame with the victory over a giant, and here he concludes that victory with the victory over four giants. Their impressive statures and armor do not frighten the men of David. They defeat them in the power of the LORD, as David defeated Goliath.

A giant symbolizes pride, self-esteem, arrogance and oppressive power. We are not dealing with literal giants of flesh and blood, but with the spiritual powers in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12). We see this represented in the name of the first giant. His name is “Ishbi-benob”, which means “his residence is in the high”. This is reminiscent of “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” (2Cor 10:5a). To break down these heights – in picture: kill that giant – we do not fight with carnal weapons, but we must use the weapons that are “divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (2Cor 10:3-4). The result is that “[we are] taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2Cor 10:5b).

David is old here and his strength has been diminished by everything he has experienced. His men come to his aid when he is in danger of being killed. This shows their love for David. We may have the same love for each other and come to each other’s aid when someone is in danger of being overrun by the enemy, while he himself has no strength to resist.

That David, for most of his later life, is not a picture of the Lord Jesus, we also see here. Here we read of an exhausted David. This is a great opportunity for the enemy to knock him down. Fortunately, God makes sure that Abishai is nearby. Abishai comes to his aid and kills the Philistine. This threat of death resulting from David’s diminished strength leads his men to implore him to stop going to fight together with them.

The reason they give is that he provides light in Israel. He is their hope. They don’t say he’s too old. We sometimes do, if someone is burdensome. Here it is to protect. Elderly people must learn to leave or surrender things to young people. Ageing brings with it limitations and of these they must be aware of or made aware of. It’s not always easy to be old. Being old can sometimes be a burden for others.

The giants are incorrigible optimists. The fact that Goliath was defeated by David does not matter to them. They think they can defeat David. We see in them the great folly to glory in our own strength. They do not know the secret of the power of David and his men. David’s men are not bigger or stronger than other people, but with the help of God, they defeat one giant after another. God prefers the weak things to shame the strong things (1Cor 1:27b).