Theory question 103
DavidNarrate the story of David in which his faith was put to test. What two suggestions would you give to a present-day priest who faces opposition in his work of evangelization?
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The Philistines gathered at Socoh; Goliath of Gath, a giant in heavy armour, defied Israel for forty days (1 Samuel 17:1-16).
David, sent by Jesse to his brothers, heard the challenge and asked who this uncircumcised Philistine was to defy the armies of the living God (1 Samuel 17:17-26).
Eliab rebuked him, but David persisted (1 Samuel 17:28-30).
He told Saul that God who delivered him from the lion and the bear would deliver him from the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:32-37).
He refused Saul's armour and took his staff, five smooth stones and a sling (1 Samuel 17:38-40).
Goliath mocked him; David said, "You come with a sword… but I come in the name of the Lord of hosts… the battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17:43-47).
He slung a stone that struck Goliath's forehead; he fell, and David cut off his head with Goliath's own sword (1 Samuel 17:48-51).
The Philistines fled and Israel pursued them (1 Samuel 17:51-53).
Suggestions (any two): trust God and pray; be patient and persevere; do not fear; respond with love, not violence; rely on God's word; seek support of the church.
Tell the Goliath story (or another clear test of David's faith), then two suggestions.