“Bullies in the Bible”
The Bible offers much insight into the topic of bullying, with one of the most well-known passages being the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. We often marvel at the young boy, David, who faced off against a literal giant—Goliath, the bully. Goliath was said to be over nine feet tall, nearly the height of a typical room’s floor-to-ceiling height.
Reflecting on this story, we notice some compelling parallels to the dynamics of bullying. But first, it’s important to recognize that “bullying” is not a modern phenomenon—it’s been around for as long as human history. In fact, many scholars interpret this passage as a metaphor for the ultimate bully, Satan, who opposes Jesus, the Good Shepherd of our Souls.
In verse 1, we see the formation of a bullying environment:
“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled…” (v.1)
The word “gathered” suggests building numbers, creating a fertile environment for bullying. Bullies often form large groups of followers—gatherings that can grow to terrifying proportions. This sense of growing momentum is achieved by bullies cultivating loyalty and using intimidation as a tool for control.
Have you ever experienced the eerie silence around a person who is being bullied? That silence is often a tactic used by bullies to sow fear and maintain control. The followers of the bully may not be loyal to the agenda but are silenced out of fear of retribution. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal,” ring especially true here. For the person being bullied, silence can feel like betrayal. And make no mistake—this silence is strategically cultivated by the bully to isolate their target.
In verse 4, we gain further insight into Goliath’s role as the bully:
“A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp.” (v.4)
Often, we think of the story as solely about David and Goliath, but it’s actually part of a much larger battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Goliath was just the tool, the means by which the Philistines sought to assert their dominance. In reality, the Philistines are the true antagonists. They believed they were the victims, using that narrative to justify their aggression. This is another common tactic of bullies—they often play the victim in order to solicit sympathy and further their cause. By portraying themselves as wronged, they deflect attention from their harmful behavior.
Verse 5 gives us a closer look at Goliath, the bully:
“He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels.”(v.5)
Five thousand shekels equates to about 78 pounds—this bully was strong, well-armed, and imposing. His size alone made him appear superior. Bullies often thrive on perceived superiority, using their physical or social stature as a weapon to instill fear.
Verse 8 reveals Goliath’s verbal bullying:
“Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel.” (v.8)
Discrediting the victim is another powerful tactic that bullies use. The bully’s words can confuse and disorient their target, leading them to question their own worth and abilities. This erodes confidence and hope, which is exactly what happened to the Israelites. They were paralyzed with fear.
In verse 11, we see the effects of bullying:
“The Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” (v.11)
This moment captures the essence of how bullying can make its victims doubt themselves. It’s a technique known as gaslighting, where the bully’s tactics cause the victim to question their own reality. At this point, it felt as if the Israelites were doomed, and indeed, they were on the brink of despair.
When young David arrived on the scene, his own brother—part of the Israelite army—mocked him. This is another tragic facet of bullying: the breakdown of support systems. Sometimes, those closest to the victim may join in or turn away, further isolating the one being bullied.
But David, who had spent much time in the fields as a shepherd, meditating on God, brought a different perspective. His faith in something bigger than the bully—his trust in God Himself—changed the narrative. Sometimes, when we’re caught in the whirlwind of a bullying situation, it’s difficult to see beyond our emotions. Yet, this broader perspective is exactly what we need in moments of crisis.
When King Saul heard of David’s hope and boldness, he quickly allowed David to face Goliath in battle. The words David spoke in verse 45 turned the tide:
“I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.” (v.45)
David’s confidence was rooted in his complete trust in the Lord. He knew that, as God’s servant, he had nothing to fear. For Goliath to come against David was to come against God’s people, and in that, David found strength. He wasn’t relying on his own abilities, but on God’s provision and power. Remarkably, David had already been prepared for this moment by his experiences defending his sheep from wild animals. His humble beginnings as a shepherd had trained him to face giants—both literal and metaphorical. Armed with only a sling and a stone, David brought down the bully and secured victory.
I pray that if you find yourself in a bullying situation, you, too, will draw on God’s provision and courage to face your Goliath.
Bullies rely on subtle, manipulative tactics.
Recognizing the game is the first step to ending it.
➡️ [Grab your Bully Proofing guide today.]
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