Day Seven: Why Five Smooth Stones?
Picking up smoothstones was a favourite pastime of my family. Even today, when I go camping orhiking, I am always on the lookout for smooth rocks. The array of colour and creativetexture mesmerise me. Though I have never used it as weapons I am still drawnto it.
In Biblical times, andfor those living in the countryside, it was part of their weaponry. Some mightcall it barbarism, but for others it's survival. No matter how we feel, we canlearn much from this story of David.
Remember that thestory of David is for symbolic interpretation, just as the rest of the OldTestament is a symbolic interpretation of our lives. So, when we read about abattle in the O.T., it does not mean that we learn how to do battle physically.Today’s battles are spiritual and mostly within our minds. The more time wespend in the Word, the more we will defeat the strongholds that hold uscaptive.
Let’s delve into 1Sam 17 to learn more about the stones and what it means for us.
1Sam 17: 40Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself fivesmooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouchwhich he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to thePhilistine.
In Hebrew, a stone or ebenis a merging of the words father and son (av + ben). Therefore, a stone is notonly hard, and used in the right hand a weapon, but shows us the relationshipbetween a father and a son. It is a far worthier choice of ammunition against anyenemy that wants to attack you.
The fact that David threw thestone at Goliath’s head is symbolic of a damaged mindset that has to bedestroyed. This can only be done by a strong relationship between a father anda son. We learn this first hand from the relationship between the HeavenlyFather and his son, Jesus Christ. Christ is our Rock. Because of Him, we canovercome every lie and stronghold that is preventing us from being in a relationshipwith the Father. When we rely on Him, as our Rock, we can overcome.
So, why did David choose fivestones when it only took ONE stone to defeat the great giant? There are manydebates about this, but let’s see what the word says about it.
FIVE is associated with grace,the gospel, and anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of fear anddepression. It is grace that brings us to Christ and the gospel that gives usthe wisdom to stand.
Though it only took one smoothstone to defeat Goliath, David picked up five, a sign that it is the Word that defeats a beast. Jesus was likewise taunted (tempted) for forty days. LikeDavid, He overcame the adversary with one smooth stone by quoting Deuteronomy,the fifth book. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
The hints of the number five areone example of many precious stones scattered throughout the Biblical text.When the Light hits them just right, our (spiritual) eyes see the connectionsthat threaten the entire Bible together in one seamless and flawless tapestry.The same story is told again and again in simple and progressively moredetailed and varied ways. That story is the Good News or the Gospel.
Why Are the Stones Smooth?
The Word washes us, like ironthat sharpens iron. It brings correction, edifies us and smooths out the roughedges. When the Word is in us, we become the stones in God’s hands. We becomeOne with the Father and the Son.
Each impact, trial, and obstaclethat the Living Water subjects us to, wears, carves, and sculpts us into theimage of God. The consistent rush of the water threshes the things that offendus until one is as smooth as David’s five stones.
God chose the story of David andGoliath to be one of the first impressions we have about King David. Why do youthink this is? Could it be that He wanted us to know how “a man after His ownheart” defeated the beast without AND the beast within? I believe it is. We seeDavid battling this dual war throughout his lifetime.
He committed serious sin in hislifetime. But like the water, David was persistent and consistent in turningback to God and repent and let God continue the good work He began in him. Assuch, he became a “living stone” and a role model for us.
It must be part of our dailywalk; to sit by the river (Word) and meditate on it until we become smoothstones that God can use.
This natural phenomenon has deepspiritual implications. The Father’s Light (Lampstand) is always trying topenetrate our minds (and hearts) to remove the blind spots. But like the hardrocks, we must yield to the Word. The will of God is evident: He desires us tobe Living Stones in His House.
1 Peter 2:5 - 6
you also,as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, tooffer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.6Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chiefcornerstone, elect, precious, And hewho believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
This can never be emphasis enough.
• Youmust allow the Word to smooth the edges consistently.
• Tounderstand the season, you must study the Word.
• To havevision or sight, you must study the Word.
• Tohear/know God’s voice, you must study the Word.
• To bepart of the remnant, you must know the scriptures.
• Todistinguish who is your champion, you must know the Word.
So far, we have covered the following in this bible plan:
• Youmust walk with God’s armour and not your own.
• Youmust choose your place of battle wisely. Make sure you are not in an inaccurateplace; this can determine your mindset.
• Youmust understand obedience and how to activate God’s word. Quickly.
• Youmust know who your protector is.
Each step is a conscience choice you must make to enjoy the benefits ofthe Kingdom.
Grace and peace to you.
Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five/ Day Six /
Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine / / Day Eleven / Day Twelve
