What have I done now?

Warriors Arise: June 24, 2022

1 Samuel 17:29 (NKJV) And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?”

These two questions compel me to wonder. David is responding to his oldest brother's cut at him for being a shepherd of a few sheep. Then his oldest brother ends with accusing David of being prideful. David is inquiring what will be done for the one who kills Goliath. Maybe Eliab is trying to get David to stop, because he knows as the oldest brother he would be responsible for David. If David sticks his neck out too far, Eliab would be obligated to step in. Eliab may be thinking "David shouldn't be stirring a pot he can't eat. He is putting me in a position I do not want to be. I do not want to fight Goliath. If I did, I can volunteer myself, I don't need you to volunteer me." Fear will cause people to say things they do not really believe. If Eliab was thinking David was setting him up to fight Goliath, then he might be provoked to keep David quiet.

If David hadn't turned to ask another after responding to his brother, Eliab, he might have responded, "It is not about what you have done; it is about what you are doing."

I have two older brothers. One is 6 grades older. I was in elementary and he was starting high school. I thought the world of my brother. Another brother was in the grade above me and I thought the world of him too. There were several times my mother sent me with food to take to them. They would be out mowing around town or needing to go from mowing to getting ready for a baseball game. She would have me make them something to eat. I thoroughly enjoyed going to their games and watching them play ball. I totally thought they could beat any team they came against. I wonder if David looked up to his oldest brother like I looked up to mine. I wonder if he thought Eliab could defeat Goliath? Which would give reason for the fear Eliab may have had and was behind his cut toward David. Maybe he was afraid if David said any more he just might say, "My older brother can take him down," then look at Eliab, "Can't you, Eliab?" Which may be why we do not see Eliab anymore. He decided to let David be and go check out the provisions his father sent. He didn't want David sharing with the other men about how he saw Eliab wrestle all his brothers at one time and win. I don't know if it happened, but all brothers get into a fight at some time. Just like all girls will get into a fighting match with their words. Eliab didn't want to have to answer for what David might share. He knew these men and they all wanted someone else to fight Goliath and he didn't want to be that someone.

In checking what verse 29 cross-references, it sent me to 1 Samuel 17:17.

1 Samuel 17:17 (NKJV) Then Jesse said to his son David, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this dried grain and these ten loaves, and run to your brothers at the camp.

What have I done now? Is that in reference to David bringing food for his brothers? His father tells him to run to your brothers. There is a bit of urgency in those words. David was not to dottle. He was to run to his brothers at the camp. The food was probably an excuse. David didn't need to take food to check on his brothers. Taking the food to them would continue to keep him in his family position of serving his older brothers. What David has done now was come all the way from home to bring them food. I wonder if he gestured to the lack of food around the camp or how thin his brothers had gotten, because they did not have fresh food supplies. Eliab doesn't say another word. Maybe he sees the food David has brought and realizes he isn't just stirring the pot, because their father sent him with fresh supplies.

Father, when I am afraid, it is so easy to misread someone else's intentions. I seek Your forgiveness for the times I have cut at another, when I didn't know their intentions. I was speaking from a place of fear.I was wrong. I should have been praying for the answer and if it was to be me then I needed to be prepared. If it wasn't to be me then I needed to pray You would strengthen them to face Goliath. I ask to be forgiven for allowing my fear to paralyze me from preparing and praying. I want my prayers to encourage others to face their Goliath and take them down. I ask for You to come. Open my eyes so I can see my fears. I do not want to hide behind them any longer. I want to live free of the fear and walk empowered by You to takedown the Goliath who wants to steal what You have given me. With You, I will not shrink back from the fear that holds me captive. I will look to You and step into faith to achieve the impossible. You are my God and I will serve You only. I will no longer feed my fears and bow to them. I will run to You and be strengthen in my faith to over come the Goliath before me in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

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