A Kingdom Identity

Have you ever wondered...
What was it about David that made his response to the present crisis so different from all the other responses?

In 1 Samuel 17 when facing Goliath, Saul’s trained soldiers were sore afraid and greatly dismayed, while David, filled with righteous indignation, approached Goliath head on. David, certain that God would grant him victory over his enemies, had a confident resolve regarding his glorious outcome. Obviously, there was more to David than what was perceived by his brothers, the soldiers, King Saul and Goliath. Let’s take a closer look at David in the previous chapter to discover who he really was.

In 1 Samuel 16 Saul is miserably tormented by an evil spirit and in need of relief.  Saul’s servants suggest that a skillful musician is sought, whose music will facilitate Saul’s peace and tranquility, an idea to which Saul agrees. One of Saul’s servants make a suggestion regarding David. Listen to young David’s reputation…

"One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a warrior, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence; and the Lord is with him.” (1 Samuel 16:18 NRSV)

Not only was David a skillful musician, and the Lord was with him, which makes ALL the difference in any situation, but he was also a man of valor, a warrior, an ish chayil, אִֽישׁ־חַ֥יִל.

 חַ֭יִל (chayil) is the Hebrew word translated as valor, valiant, noble, power, army, excellence, wealth, elite force, with most of its uses as military terms. It’s interesting that all of the phrases used to describe David are contained in this one Hebrew word, chayil, also used in reference to other valiant men (1 Chronicles 5:18), and women as eshet chayil, אֵֽשֶׁת־חַ֭יִל, woman of valor (Ruth 3:11, Proverbs 31:10, 29).  Most importantly, David declares God as his chayil source. 
    
"For thou hast girded me with strength (חַ֭יִל) unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me." (Psalm 18:39 KJV)

When God's chayil is activated in one’s life, manifested as strength, might, valor, power, and nobility, a victorious lifestyle becomes a tangible reality.
    
"Through God we shall do valiantly (חַ֭יִל): for he it is that shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13 KJV)

So there was more to David, than what met the eye! God's power was unleashed in Him, and manifested through him! David lived a “with God all things are possible” life. Today, as a result of your confident resolve, may the chayil power of God be activated in you to make a difference in your world and in the lives of others!  Like David, may you come to realize that your true identity is linked to the King and His Kingdom, and as a result, you are able to do what you once thought impossible!