The ‘Inspired by Issachar’ series that I introduced last week is like a refresher course in strategy for me.

And I’ve been thinking about David’s strategies from even before he became king.

When facing a giant, we often aim for the big win and skip that initial internal buy-in.

Goliath, the Philistine, demanded a one-on-one with any Israelite warrior to settle the score between the two nations.

David responded bravely but King Saul said, “You can’t fight Goliath; you’re only a young man, he has been a warrior from his youth.” 

David realized that he had to overcome his king’s doubts before he could overcome Goliath’s defiance. 

1 Sam 17:34–37 tells how David strategically marketed the idea to his king by:

1. Positioning: Saul was right, so David didn’t argue with him about his naiveté or Goliath’s experience.
2. Modelling: David explained how he would draw from past successes fighting and killing wild animals.
3. Believing: His belief in God’s protection was in stark contrast with that of a terrified Israeli army.