1. The Philistine champion (1-7)

The Philistines were Israel's long-term adversaries during Saul and David's lifetimes. At this time the two nations' armies faced each other for a climactic battle. The Philistines revealed that they had a warrior named Goliath who had almost superhuman size and strength. He looked indestructible. God's people have very powerful enemies.

2. The Israelites are terrified (8-16)

Goliath stepped forward and offered a deal to the Israelites, to let a one-on-one battle decide the future of both nations. But the real purpose of Goliath's words was to terrify Israel. It was a spiritual attack. The power of fear in our hearts is a deadlier foe than Goliath. Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified, because there seemed to be no one who could face Goliath. In fact, it was a lack of faith in the power of God.