David’s Oldest Brother

David was bringing supplies to his soldier brothers when he saw Goliath taunting the Lord’s army. He showed immediate concern for God’s honor (1 Samuel 17:26-30). 

“When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, ‘Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.’”(1)  

David was concerned for God’s honor, but his brother: 

1. Claimed he had bad motives and a wicked heart. 

2. Tried to make him feel inferior because he was a shepherd. 

3. Claimed he was simply a useless spectator of the battle. 

When Bible-believing Christians show concern for God’s honor by speaking up for His Word, we can face modern Eliabs who call us:(2) 

1. Haters with bad motives. 

2. Ignorant to believe an “ancient book.” 

3. Useless spectators of the battles going on in our world.

But we have David's example and others like him. We can stand firm in God’s strength (1 Samuel 17:45). 

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(1) Eliab would have been the logical choice for a king from David's family. See why God didn't choose him: Sometimes We Miss Seeing the Heart.

(2) Like Eliab, modern Wilderness Wanderers are trying to shame Bible-believing Christians.

 Bible Love Notes