1 Samuel 17 – Story of David and Goliath

Out of Context

1 Samuel 17 – Story of David and Goliath

Samuel chapter 17 records the famous story of a young David who kills the 9-foot giant named Goliath with a slingshot while all the people (Israelites) were scared in the background.

Eisegesis: 

You are like David; pick up your stones of faith and defeat the giant in your life. 

Exegesis:   

You are not David in this story; Jesus is the proper representative of David. We represent the scared and helpless people in the background. The story of David and Goliath was meant to demonstrate how the Lord intervenes on behalf of His people.

This Biblical account is primarily used as an allegory to teach that “because you are a spiritual David, you can also slay the Goliaths of your life, which can be a multitude of things such as depression, addictions, financial problems, etc.”   

Contrary to the above, the proper interpretation of this text is simply to show us God’s faithfulness to the nation of Israel by using David (a picture of the future Messiah) to deliver them from the Philistines. 

David’s victory over Goliath was a picture foretelling the victory Jesus won for His people on the cross. 

Christ defeated the two biggest giants in our life, SIN & DEATH, and because He overcame them, we do not have to face it alone. 

As we can see, this type of interpretation, where we insert ourselves into the biblical narrative, is a bad type of biblical interpretation. Not every passage that describes a historical event is  necessarily interchangeable with one’s life. 

Furthermore, the danger in reading Bible stories where we slot ourselves into the role of David (or whomever) is that we can come away thinking that the Christian life is simply about us being brave, bold, or faithful to God in difficult times. 

David points us to Christ. 

The significant part of this story is that David represents the future anointed one, Jesus, who would ultimately redeem His people in an unexpected way. 

Both David and Jesus were Israel’s saviors, and both their victories were against the odds. Here are some of the parallels between David and Christ; 

  • As David defeated the Philistines, so would the coming Messiah defeat the enemy (Ps 2:9; 110:1). 
  • Just like David, who would rule in Jerusalem one day (Ps 2:4–6; 110:2), the Davidic king Jesus Christ’s rule would be unending (Ps 21:4; 45:6; 72:5).
  • Just as David was a son of Jesse, the Messiah will also come from the lineage of Jesse (Isa 11:1) who, like David (1 Sam 16:13), will have the spirit of the Lord upon Him (Isa 11:2) to carry out the mighty works of God. 
  • Just as David judged and ruled “doing what was just and right for all his people” (2 Sam 8:15), so will the Messiah “with righteousness  judge with justice and make decisions for the poor of the earth” (Isa 11:4).
  • Just as David was a shepherd, so will the Messiah shepherd Israel. (33-34)

The story of David and Goliath is far more than an inspiring tale about courage or overcoming personal challenges. It is a profound illustration of God’s faithfulness to His people and a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.

David’s triumph points us to Jesus, the true and greater David, who defeated the giants of sin and death on behalf of His people. Where David delivered Israel from the Philistines, Christ delivers us from eternal separation from God. This narrative reminds us that our hope and salvation do not rest on our own bravery or strength but on the One who stands in our place and secures the victory for us.

Rather than seeing ourselves as David in this story, we should humbly recognize our position as the helpless people in need of a Savior. The parallels between David and Christ beautifully highlight God’s redemptive plan through His anointed one, demonstrating that salvation comes not by human effort but by God’s divine intervention.

In every trial, we are not called to pick up the stones and fight the battle alone; instead, we are called to trust in the victory that has already been won for us by our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 18:20 – For when 2 or 3 are gathered

Out of Context

Matthew 18:20 – For when 2 or 3 are gathered.

Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

Eisegesis: 

“Be encouraged; even though the church attendance is low today, God is present when 2 or 3 are gathered.”

Exegesis:   

This verse has nothing to do with the minimum requirements for the presence of God to be experienced. Instead, this verse is mainly talking about church discipline and dealing with wayward believers living in sin.

We may have heard this verse quoted in our churches when the attendance of a service, prayer meeting or Bible study class is low. However, this verse isn’t talking about inviting the Omnipresent God into our specific locations. God is not limited to one location at a time (Acts 7.48 / Psalm 139.7).

Acts 7:48 (NKJV)

“However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

Psalm 139:7

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

While it is good to remind ourselves that God is present in our gatherings (even if there are few people), the reality is that He is also near when you are alone at home.

Moreover, the Bible promises that if you are born again, the spirit of God is already within you.

The context of this verse was meant to encourage church leaders during difficult times of loving confrontation as two or three witnesses (believers) went about to correct and restore a fallen brother and sister.

The paragraph begins with Jesus talking bout dealing with a sinning brother;

Matthew 18:15-20 (NKJV)

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Jesus instructed His disciples on how they should confront /handle believers living in sin and the steps that are required to be taken if there is a dispute among the believers. These steps can be broken into three stages;

(1) Personal confrontation (v15) – The offended brother should first confront the sinning brother privately, hoping that the brother will repent and restore the relationship.

(2) Group confrontation (v16) – The offended brother should take two or three (Christians) with him to confront the sinning brother together. They will serve as witnesses against the sinning brother if he still refuses to repent.

(3)  Church confrontation (v17) – The offended brother should bring the matter to the church leadership, who will hear the matter between the offended brother and the sinning brother. If he refuses to repent, he is to be treated as an unbeliever.

The idea of “two or three” also has precedent in the Old Testament, where two or three witnesses were required to bring judgment against someone (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Hebrews 10:28). Jesus also refers to this very principle in verse 16 of the same chapter.

So why did Jesus even mention His presence among those who gather in His name?

Matthew 18.20 is an incredible truth about the role that the church plays in the world today during the absence (bodily) of the Lord Jesus.

The truth is that the Church is Christ’s representative to the fallen and broken world, and we should be interacting with people as He would.

Jesus mentions His presence (even though bodily absent) as a way of assuring the apostles that they were not making a judgment on their own authority but according to the authority and will of Christ.

As they would take Biblical decisions, Jesus would be present in agreeing with their judgment because it represents His judgment / will.

This is similar to what we see in 2 Chronicles 19:6, wherein Jehoshaphat told the judges;

2 Chronicles 19:6 (NKJV)

“Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.

2 Chronicles 27:2 – Church attendance leads to blessings.

Out of Context

2 Chronicles 27:2 – Church attendance leads to blessings.

2 Chronicles 27:2 (NKJV)

And he (Jotham) did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.

Eisegesis: 

How many blessings have you missed out on by not attending church?

Exegesis:   

This passage is not talking about blessings associated with attending church. In fact, in this context, it was good that Jotham did not enter the temple, and it was an act of obedience.

Some teachers have wrongly quoted this verse (mainly to kids) to explain the importance of Church attendance. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with teaching about church attendance or the importance of fellowship with believers; however, the use of this scripture is inaccurate.  

In the case of Jotham, not going into the temple was not wrong; rather, it was very good. Here’s why.

King Uzziah (Jotham’s father) was a good king, but he disobeyed the Lord when he went into the temple and offered incense which only the priest had the right to do (2 Chronicles 26:16-20).

Uzziah’s pride and arrogance regarding the temple rituals resulted in him having “leprosy until the day he died” (2 Chronicles 26:21).

So in context, the fact that Jotham “did not enter the temple of the Lord” means he did not repeat his father’s mistake. Where his father Uzziah had proudly assumed the high priest’s office, Jotham was more obedient to the temple rituals and understood the boundaries set by God for Kings and Priests.

This passage offers a powerful lesson about humility, obedience, and learning from the mistakes of others. Jotham’s decision to avoid entering the temple reflects his respect for God’s boundaries and his wisdom in avoiding the sins of his father, Uzziah. Rather than using this verse to emphasize church attendance, it should be understood as a reminder that obedience to God is about aligning our actions with His Word and His will.

Charles Spurgeon captures the heart of this lesson: “It is a great mercy for us, when we have seen others sin, if we use their shipwrecks as beacons for ourselves. What fascination should there be in sin?” The story of Jotham reminds us that spiritual wisdom includes learning from the consequences of others’ disobedience, staying humble, and honoring God’s commands in every aspect of our lives.

Philippians 4:13 – Can do all things through Christ.

Out of Context

Philippians 4:13 – I Can do all things through Christ.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Eisegesis: 

God will provide me the strength to win my sporting event, exams, get over a break-up, workout and be victorious in my purpose.

Exegesis:   

This passage is not about achieving things; instead, it is about being content in all circumstances. 

Unfortunately, many people take this verse out of context and use it to reinforce a “victorious” or “super-Christian” mentality, often out of a self-centered ambition and not out of a desire to obey Christ.

The whole point of the passage is not to showcase the strength or achievements of Paul but instead, it clearly shows that the strength of Christ in Paul’s life was manifested in his capacity to be content.

Paul spoke about being content even though he was in prison and that he was only able to handle it because of the strength of God that sustained him. 

Paul was not saying, “I will break out of this prison, because God’s strength is behind me.” Instead, he was saying, “I will endure, and be content because God’s strength is behind me.”

Simply reading the surrounding verses puts what Paul is saying in context. 

Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry,  both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Being content is not something that comes naturally to mankind.

Paul had to learn through experience how to be content, and he was only able to achieve this through the strength of Jesus Christ.

In his letter, Paul further reminds us that his contentment was not only theoretical. He actually lived it. Paul experienced being financially “in need” as well as financially “well-off.”

The Greek term for content means “to be self-sufficient” or to be “satisfied”, and the phrase “through Christ who strengthens me” means to “put power in”.

Because believers are in Christ, we are infused with His strength to help us sustain through life. Therefore, this verse isn’t a call for us to go out and achieve all things we set our minds to; rather, it is a reminder to be more content.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Real contentment for the Christian comes supernaturally; it comes through Him who strengthens us.

Examples of Scriptures taken out of context

Out of Context

Examples of Scriptures taken out of context

In the following sections, we will look at some familiar Bible verses that are often taken out of context.

We will also explain them in context so that you will have a proper biblical understanding of the principles within the text and how we are to go about reading the sacred Scriptures.

The goal of these examples is to enable you to look beyond what you have been taught and to be able to understand the scriptures yourself.

Philippians 4:13 – I Can do all things through Christ.
2 Chronicles 27:2 – Church attendance leads to blessings.
Matthew 18:20 – For when 2 or 3 are gathered.
1 Samuel 17 – Story of David and Goliath
Isaiah 53:5 – By His stripes, you are healed.
Deuteronomy 8:18 – You have the power to get wealthy.
Proverbs 18:21 – Life & Death are in the power of the tongue.
Jeremiah 29:11 – for I know the plans I have for you.
Mathew 18:18 – Binding and Loosing
John 14:12 – Greater works than Christ.
Mathew 7:1 – Judge Not.
Luke 6:38 – Give and it shall be given to you.
John 14:14 – Ask anything in my name.
Proverbs 29:18 – With NO vision – people perish
Mathew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers.
Psalm 46:5 – She shall not be moved.
Romans 8:28 – All things will work together
Mark 7:20-23 6:23 - Evil Eye.
Psalm 51:11 – Do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
Mark 11:24 – Name it and Claim it
Provers 22:6 – Train up a child and they will not turn from it.
Psalm 105:15 – Touch not the Lords anointed
John 10:10 – that you may have more abundantly.
John 10:10 – the Devil comes to Steal Kill & Destroy
James 1:5 – If you lack wisdom, just ask God
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people repent, I will heal their land
Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon formed against you shall prosper
Hebrews 12:1 – Great cloud of witnesses
John 10:34 – You are a little God
Romans 8:37 – we are more than conquerors
Psalm 1:3 – if you are planted like a tree, you will prosper in everything you do.
Exodus 20:5 – you need to break free from generational curses
Colossians 3:15 – “I have peace in My heart”
Psalm 37:4 - “Delight in the Lord and you will be blessed”

Narcigesis

Out of Context

Narcigesis

It’s not about you.

The term “narcigesis” is an attempt to combine the word “eisegesis” with the word “narcissism.”

Narcissism is a personality disorder of someone with an inflated sense of self-importance.

In our culture today, we often hear of people who are described as having “narcissistic tendencies.” In most cases, a person may not be a full-blown narcissist, but they may display some level of narcissistic behaviours due to an inflated sense of self-importance.

A narcissistic eisegesis is when we force the Bible to make us the center of the story and when every teaching / command of Scripture becomes about our personal faith journeys.

This type of interpretation also comes with the added motivational thinking, positive affirmations, personal success, and a sense of heroism to oneself that are common psychological aspects in the world today.

The narcigesis teaching is visibly prevalent in the “Seeker Friendly movement” within churches, which focuses on doing whatever is possible to attract new people to church. This is achieved by using methods to appeal to the humanism, emotionalism, experience, feelings, needs, carnality, and worldly successes that the human soul naturally craves.

Narcigesis, in practice, leads to Scripture being read out of context and almost always forces the text to be centered around the listener or teacher.

This is harmful because the original audience and the author’s intent are completely ignored in order to find an application that makes us feel good.

We often think that the Bible is all about us. Still, in reality, we fail to realize that the Bible and even Jesus Himself said that all scriptures point towards Him. Therefore, the aim of the Gospel is not to make you focus on yourself; instead, it is to make you take your eyes off “YOU” and focus it towards Christ alone – who is altogether lovely and altogether worthy.

It is not about you.

The Dangers of Narcigesis

The Final Authority

We need to measure or validate truth by some objective standard, which should be the Scripture alone.

In cases where the Bible isn’t considered the final authority, the interpreter’s personal opinions and ideas become the basis for establishing truth, which is dangerous. 

This is because people’s opinions, emotions, and experiences often take precedence over the divinely inspired Scriptures, as each interpreter applies whatever symbolic meanings to the text they wish.

Because of the human tendency to replace God and His inspired Scripture as the true authority with our self-centered bias reading, the reformers coined the term ‘Sola Scriptura’, which means ‘Scripture alone.’ Because Scripture is God’s inspired word, it is the only inerrant, sufficient and final authority for the Church.

False interpretations will not benefit anyone.

Because Narcigetical interpretations inaccurately exegete the scriptures, they fail to convey God’s real message. Therefore, they will not truly benefit anyone who applies these interpretations. 

Distorted view of God

When we interpret scripture through narcigesis, we can develop a distorted view of God and even miss out on the whole point of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the followers of such preaching / teaching could likely be falsely converted and miss out on God’s real salvation message through the biblical Jesus Christ.

Narcigetical interpretations only function as a means to boost a person’s self-esteem and fulfill one’s immoral desires. It almost entirely ignores the reality of sin, the sovereignty of God, the necessity for brokenness, repentance, and the grace of God provided through Jesus Christ.

Christ did not die for our feelings, temporal needs, or worldly success; instead, He died to save us from sin and restore our communion with the Father.

You are not the Hero.

Another type of incorrect interpretation of Scripture is one where the reader imagines themselves as one of the heroes of the Bible.

This is mainly instilled through modern-day preaching, where people are asked to model the characters / heroes in the Bible.

Examples of such heroes include Moses, Joshua, Samson, Elijah, and even Jesus, who miraculously accomplished things by faith.

While faith is essential for every believer’s walk with God, it is also important to note that each believer’s life and God-given purpose are unique and different from those of the Bible characters. 

However, teaching or telling people they are not the hero of the Bible stories goes against the very fabric of modern-day preaching and teaching.

In today’s churches, preachers often look to please the congregation by calling them victorious heroes of their life stories.

The human heart naturally loves to exalt itself, and so the kind of preaching where the listener is made a champion is readily acceptable by all people.

However, the real tragedy is that all people (both lost and saved) do not need more of themselves. Rather, we need a daily / weekly reminder that in Christ, they are dead to themselves but alive in Him.

Why can’t we impose ourselves on the characters of the Bible?

The answer to this is simply because all of the great and faithful people mentioned in the Old & New Testament were living in a different dispensation / era of God’s grand plan for humanity.

Just because something happened in one of the Bible characters’ lives doesn’t mean we can somehow mystically and superficially claim that it will happen for us.

For example, just because David killed Goliath, it does not somehow mean we will also slay our giants. It may even be possible that sometimes God’s will for us might be to die fighting our giants if it brings Him glory.

The roles and purposes of the Bible characters (in the Old Testament) were unique to form part of the timeline that would eventually lead to the birth of Christ. Our roles and purposes now have been streamlined; although still special and unique, we are now called to preach the Gospel and make disciples and use our talents, skills, and abilities for the Lord. 

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Each Christian should interpret the Bible objectively and accurately, having faith in God and living out their lives according to God’s unique calling for their lives.

Can we learn something from the famous Bible characters?

Yes, we can definitely learn from their examples of faith, perseverance, righteousness, and holiness.

It isn’t difficult to find principles we can learn from, but the struggle is drawing the line in how far we allegorize the Bible Characters. For example, should we make rash vows like Jephthah (Judges 11:30-31) or sacrifice our children to prove our faith in God like Abraham (Gen. 22)? Obviously not.

If we do use people in the Bible as our role models, we should be modeling their character & faith and bring those ideals & principles into our own culture.

For example, we should have the perseverance and trust in God like Joseph, who believed in the promises spoken over him, even when his situation didn’t match up. We should strive to have the boldness of Caleb, who saw big giants but believed that if God was for them, no one could be against them.

We can take the principles and learn from them without copying the character’s exact behavior.

The New Testament explicitly talks about the famous Bible characters from the Old Testament in Hebrews 11:1-40 and 12:1. These verses brilliantly show how those characters are a good testimony of genuine faith, perseverance, and godliness.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Ultimately of all the famous characters, the author of Hebrews directs our focus and attention to Jesus Christ, who provided the ultimate example by living a Holy and righteous life. 

Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV)

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

The Bible is written FOR you but not TO you.

It is imperative to understand the context of Scripture before applying any verse to ourselves.

It is important to note that the Bible is written FOR us and not TO us; this doesn’t mean that we should totally ignore it; rather, it means that we should be more careful in our reading of scripture.

There are many Bible passages that aren’t addressed to us and were written directly to a specific group of people. So it would be a misapplication if we take a verse that was directed at someone else and claim the relevant promises for ourselves.

When we fail to read the scriptures in context, we can literally make the Bible say whatever we want (as many have done). But reading in context helps keep the interpretation consistent and avoids chaos and confusion.

Lastly, while we aren’t the immediate audiences of the written text, the principles behind them still apply to us today.

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