The story of David and Goliath is found in 1st Samuel 17:33-58. Even non-Christians are familiar with this narrative, and it has come to be a representation of the little guy fighting the big guy and prevailing.
Goliath was a Philistine. He came from Gath, which was one of the five cities founded by the Philistines. (The others are Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, Ashkelon). Their origins are thought to be from the Aegen Sea and perhaps Crete. They settled the southwestern Levant on the Mediterranean Sea, and are first mentioned in Gen. 10:14. Their territory was known as Philistia.
By the time of the events mentioned in Joshua 1:1-9, they were obviously firmly established in the land that God directed the nation of Isreal to inhabit. There was therefore constant warfare between them and the new Jewish nation.
The very name “philistine” mean invader, and in modern colloquial use means someone who is hostile to culture, lacking intelligence and who is overly belligerent.
Okay, so the historical back story here is meant to focus on the premise: could you mourn for someone like Goliath whose very existence focused on the destruction of your community, your nation, and personally wished you dead? In fact, could you bring yourself to even “love” Goliath?
On the face of it, that’s a tough question. After all, we are commanded by Christ to “love your enemies”. (Mt. 5:44, Luke 6:27). Conversely, in Amos 5:15, we’re told “hate the evil and love the good”. Keep in mind, Christ never repudiated anything from the Old Testament. So, which is it? Is there a contradiction here?
Most of the New Testament was originally written in Greek, with some portions in Aramaic. There are four words in classical Greek that denote “love” in its various aspects.
- Eros-romantic and/or sexual love
- Philia-brotherly love, loyalty, friendship
- Agape’-selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love; a “love of choice” (1st Cor.)
- Storge-natural affection such as with family (not found in this context in the N.T.)
Does “love your enemy” mean unconditionally? Yes, it does. There is, though, a point of balance to how this is to happen. The type of love shown to enemies can also be of the “philia” type-i.e. brotherly, friendship centered. Loyalty could also come into play, even when there is betrayal in the relationship. To love someone doesn’t mean you have to agree with them all the time, live as they do, or believe as they do.
The balance point is found in examples such as the parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-36). Take the time to read this and you’ll see four things the Samaritan did, and one thing he didn’t do.
He personally got involved with the wounded man; he sought help from a professional source (for that era); he got financially involved; he committed to follow up. What he DIDN’T do was take the wounded guy home, thus potentially endangering himself, his family, and maybe even his entire community.
There are also times when you have to not be involved with your enemy. Mt. 10:14 and Luke 9:5 tells us there are times to leave those who will not hear the word, to shake the dust off, and leave them alone.
It sort of boils down to that loving your enemy in the philia way involves making a choice. But, on their part, accepting that love also involves a choice. Ultimately, Christians have to realize we are not responsible for the choices others make.
Right now, our ability to “love” (philia) is being put to the test. Islam is on the rise in our country; becoming more influential than ever; in fact becoming entrenched in our own government.
Islam has a concept called taqiyya. This allows moslems to conceal their beliefs and intentions when facing threats. It also can mean deception.
Just as the Philistines were enemies of ancient Isreal, Islam is now the sworn enemy of the West, with Jews and Christians the main targets. Even though they want to subjugate us or kill us when we don’t submit, we have to admit they are made with body, soul, and spirit as we are. We’ve allowed them to come here, we’ve allowed this to happen, but at what point will we have to make the choice to “hate the evil and love the good” or “shake the dust off”?
In conclusion…
I normally end with a Biblical passage. This time around, I’d like to finish with two quotes I’ve come across in my reading.
“Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty, as well as by the abuses of power.” James Madison.
“It doesn’t take much cancer to kill the patient. We can never quit fighting. Evil never gives up.” Mark Lewis, townhall.com 10/17/25
