Life's Odyssey

The setting for the Bible story of David and Goliath is the Valley of Elah. The Israelites under King Saul are battling  Philistines. Philistines had a 9-foot-tall champion named Goliath.  Goliath challenged Israelites.  Goliath said that the loser’s people would become subjects of the winner’s people. Clearly, Goliath expected Philistines to win over Israelites.

The boy, David, went out to meet Goliath with a slingshot and pebbles. When Goliath saw David, Goliath curses David. Taking out a stone, David slung it and struck Goliath on the forehead.  Immediately, Goliath dropped face forward onto the ground. David picked up Goliath’s sword and cut off Goliath’s head.

The valley of “Elah” where Saul and the Israelites prepared to battle the Philistines received its name from terebinth trees growing there. Terebinth trees grow solitary rather than in thickets.  The terebinth in the Valley of Elah is  associated with the word “solitary.”  Solitary means occurring singly, or going alone without companions.  Similar to the terebinth growing alone, David went out to meet Goliath alone, without companions.

Accepting Christ is a solitary act.  We, ourselves, must make the decision to accept or not accept Christ; no one can do it for us. We are responsible for our own action.  Do you remember the old hymn, “Jesus Walk this Lonesome Valley?”

Reflection: Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley (Author Unknown)

Jesus walked this lonesome valley.  He had to walk it by Himself;
O, nobody else could walk it for Him, He had to walk it by Himself.

We must walk this lonesome valley, We have to walk it by ourselves;
O, nobody else can walk it for us, We have to walk it by ourselves.

You must go and stand your trial, You have to stand it by yourself,
O, nobody else can stand it for you, You have to stand it by yourself.

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