EPISODE 480 – BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 2

BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 2

“Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!”

1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)

As explained in the previous episode, the character of Eliab in our study, embodies a certain group of people we must beware of as we journey towards purpose.

Within the Church, family, workplace, school and the society in which you find yourself, there are some people (or at least an individual) who demonstrate the character of Eliab or that which is similar to his.

I gave a summary of who Eliab was and the kind of attention he commanded in the previous episode.

He wasn’t an ordinary person, neither was he devilish nor a failure by the standards of men. He was one who also felt successful in his own right.

Whenever people see the word BEWARE they think of a devil with horns.

You don’t have to be told to BEWARE of the obvious. Whatever you are asked to BEWARE of looks harmless at first sight.

Eliab as an older brother to David may have genuine concern about the well-being of David. And sometimes such concern can be a limitation to your advancement into greatness.

However, a careful observation of Eliab’s words to David also exposed Eliab’s mindset concerning David. Apart from his mindset concerning David, other details also exposed his mindset about challenges.

The presence of Goliath was the boundary or the end of Eliab’s boldness. He was part of the army of Israel which fell back and was frightened at the appearance of Goliath.

Eliab had an attractive appearance but was a coward at heart. He looked more like a real man on the outside but was a crying vulnerable baby at heart.
He lacked what it takes to go for the lion’s share.

David was different. Outwardly he didn’t look like a strong tough soldier, but he had the heart of God. David was full of “God-fidence” (the confidence of God).

Each morning, Goliath cursed and threatened the Israelites and none of them spoke back at him. They were rather frightened and fell back at his presence.
Instead of confronting the challenge they rather talk among themselves:

“…The talk among the troops was, “Have you ever seen anything like this, this man openly and defiantly challenging Israel? The man who kills the giant will have it made. The king will give him a huge reward, offer his daughter as a bride, and give his entire family a free ride.” 1 Samuel 17:24-25 (Message)

See David’s first reaction to Goliath:

“David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?” 1 Samuel 17:26 (Message)

At no point was he intimidated by the presence of Goliath.