The Bible has much to say about bullies; one of the most notable passages is 1 Samuel 17–the account of David and Goliath. We marvel at this story of a young boy named David who came up against a literal giant (bully) named Goliath. It is said that Goliath was over 9 feet tall—the height of floor-to-ceiling in many homes.
As we consider some verses in this chapter, we see interesting parallels to the bullying dilemma. But, first, we should note that “bullying” is nothing new to God. In fact, this passage is interpreted by scholars as having insight into the ultimate bully–Satan–who comes against Jesus, the Good Shepherd of our Souls.
In verse one, we notice the formation of a bullying environment:
“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled” (v1)
The word gathered has the meaning of building numbers. This sets a prime environment for bullying, as bullies like to form large groups of dedicated followers, gatherings of terrorizing proportions.
This coming together in sizable momentum is often achieved through bullies cultivating loyalty. Of course, intimidation is how they are successful. Have you ever experienced the strange silence around a bullied person by the some of their followers? The quest for loyalty influences the group to join the bullying or keep quiet. Often, those who keep silent are not loyal to the bully’s agenda but stay quiet, anyway, out of fear of retribution. The famous quote by Martin Luther King might well apply here, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” For the person being bullied, silence feels like a betrayal. Keep in mind–that silence is a bully-initiated tactic. The bully wants to disarm their target with a sense of non-support.
Verse four gives us further insight into the word champion:
“A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine Camp.” (V4)
Interestingly, we often think this story is solely about David and Goliath when it was about the Israelite’s battle against the Philistines. Goliath was simply a tool, a means to an end. The Philistines are the true villains in our story, never-the-less, they were convinced that they were the victims and had valid reasons for war. This brings us to another persuasive tactic villains use—bullies playing the victim. They solicit sympathy. Bullies who hurt others, but portray themselves as the victim, are hoping to siphon sympathies for themselves.
In verse five, we gain insight into the man selected as the ace-in-the-hole— Goliath (their pawn):
“He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shackles.” (V5)
Five thousand shekels is about 78 pounds. This bully was big, strong, and armed in the most superior way. Goliath size was considered champion material. His stature itself was superior in nature. It comes as no surprise that bullies thrive on superiority.
Verse eight tells us that the bully, Goliath, verbally accosted the subjects of his bullying:
“Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel” (v8)
Discrediting is another powerful tool bullies use. We noted that loyalty, sense of cause, and superiority play out strategically, but now we see discrediting deliver a confusing and disorienting blow upon the target’s psyche. This very effective tactic unglues confidence. Hope begins to fade. No wonder the Israelites shuddered in terror.
Verse eleven gives us a clear picture of the effects of bullying:
“The Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” (V11)
Discrediting leads bullied victims to question their own narratives. This clever tactic is called gaslighting. Gaslighting is a common technique used by bullies to not only sway the crowd but to cause the bullied target themselves to question their reality. At this point, it feels like all is lost. It certainly did to the Israelites.
When young David came onto the scene, his brother, who was a part of the Israelite army, derided his presence. This is another issue that can happen in a bullying circumstance—breakdown from within support systems.
David, who was a sheep herder and had spent lots of time in fields meditating on God, delivered a different narrative that day. It was one of hope in something bigger than the bullies that stood before them—it was God Himself.
Sometimes we are so close to the emotions surrounding a bullying situation that we are unable to see the bigger picture. Yet, this is precisely what we need in a critical onslaught of bullying.
When news of David’s hope made it to the king, he swiftly put him in the battle. The words David spoke to Goliath in verse forty-five instantly changed the bullying climate, as well as history.
“I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.” (V45)
David placed complete confidence in the Lord. David knew he belonged to God, and for the Philistine bully to come against him was to go against God’s people. In fact, it would mean the Philistines were trying to bully the Lord. This perspective empowered David because it was completely reliant on God’s provision. Amazingly, God had already armed David with the necessary abilities to face this giant. Fighting off bears and lions to protect his sheep (as a humble shepherd) made him a valiant warrior. David skillfully brought down the bully with a stone and a sling.
I pray that if you are in a bullying situation, God will provide you with all the provision and the encouragement you need to face your Goliath.
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