“But here’s the real reason my heart is so free,
I don’t fight for God. My God fights for me.”
I have the Dr. Seuss gene. I’m not sure which oddball aunt or uncle bequeathed it to me, but it’s definitely there. So when a church asked me to retell the Bible story about the 
ancient Hebrews living off a strange substance called manna (literally, “what is it?”), I came up with a version entitled Wharton Finds a Whatzit. That story, with Seussical pictures by my illustrator wife Trudy, has since been used as a teaching tool by hundreds of churches.
Then I decided to re-tell the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The essence was this: David, a zealous young musician in love with his creator, reversed the all-too-human formula of fighting for God. When a giant Philistine snarked, “I’m called Goliath and I would just love for someone who’s anxious to die to come up here and face me and fight me today. If your God is real, Iz’reel, you might wanna pray!”
David fearlessly offered to go.
“Shut up, shepherd boy!” they all said. “It’s too late!
There’s no one that big. We’re all doomed! Terminate!”
But David just grinned and said, “Gee, now, that’s odd,
‘cuz there’s someone way bigger than him, and that’s God.”
Confident this was God’s battle, David refused sword, spear and armor, marching up the hill with nothing but a few stones and a sling.
“I fight for my gods!” roared Goliath, “but Jews have only one God!” David answered, “That’s true. But here’s the real reason my heart is so free, I don’t fight for God. My God fights for me.”
You probably know the end of the story. But here’s how David sums it up:
And he said when they asked, “How’d you keep us all safe?” “I speak softly and carry a really big faith.”
Now that beats fighting for God any day!
To read or download Little Rock, Big God, click here!
David and Goliath original story appears in the Iliad (7 or 8th century BC) where the young Nestor fights and conquers the giant Ereuthalion.
Each giant wields a distinctive weapon -an iron club in Ereuthalion’s case, a massive bronze spear in Goliath’s.
In each story the giant comes out of the enemy’s massed array to challenge all the warriors in the opposing army, in each story the seasoned warriors are afraid, and the challenge is taken up by a stripling, the youngest in his family (Nestor is the twelfth son of Neleus, David the seventh or eighth son of Jesse). In each case an older and more experienced father figure (Nestor’s own father, David’s patron Saul) tells the boy that he is too young and inexperienced, but in each case the young hero receives divine aid and the giant is left sprawling on the ground. Nestor, fighting on foot, then takes the chariot of his enemy, while David, on foot, takes the sword of Goliath.
History of the world, origins of religion. Such an interesting field!
Actually, there’s no consensus among historians that the David and Goliath account was based on the Iliad.
It depends on how unbiased one is. For anybody who studied Greek and Latin, it’s more than just obvious, it’s the same mythology. However, for everybody who believes in Christianity, of course, it isn’t. 🙂
Actually, no. I’m referring to mainstream historians.
Children surely love your version of David and Goliath. I know I did! The illustrations are engaging (great job, Trudy) and the ending powerful. Thanks for sharing, Mitch!
My pleasure, Nancy!
Mitch, it is wonderful how a familiar Bible story of David and Goliath can shine with its truth, when presented in a different format.
Thanks, Hazel.
Mitch, you’re welcome!
“Speak softly and carry a big faith.” I love this take on a Teddy Roosevelt quote.
God fights for us, rather than the other way around. Amen, Mitch. 🙏His richest blessings to you, Trudy, and your daughter and son-in-law.
Thank you, David, wishing you the same.
Such a great idea! Tell these truths, Mitch!
Thanks, Frank!
Great way to get the message across Mitch. I love the illustrations.
I always liked Dr Seuss…but after I read it I have the impulse to talk in rhyme the rest of the day.
;>)
I will definitely pass the link onto my pastor. I use to write skits for our youth group. My son, at the time, was willing to play David riding in on a skateboard playing a harmonica (harp, for all those jazz folk out there).
David as a harmonica-playing skateboarder. I love it, Pam!
“I speak softly and carry a really big faith.” Yes, yes, yes!
Nothing rouses the can-do in me like the story of David. 🙂
I love your Seussian version of the David and Goliath story!
Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Mitch!
Said ‘Like’ but truth is I ‘LOVE’ this!!!
<3
Speak softly and carry a big faith! – Brilliant! Excellent and very Seussian, Mitch! and Trudy’s illustrations are perfect, too!
Thank you, Steve!
I love this reminder to trust God in our battles. So good. Blessed.
Is there anything too hard for Me? If you are made of flesh I am your God. Nice story telling and engaging illustrations Trudy. The Greek gods had so much in -fighting that life must have been hard for them.
Mitch, simply, I love this!!!! You are so gifted! Small stone, huge faith! Amen, dear friend! Thank you for the link! 🙌🏻🙏🏻
My pleasure, dear friend!
I love it … and I have never been a Seuss fan (myself … I remember “Cat in the Hat” coming out or snoozing reading to my kids) But this, Yes!
Thanks, Maren!
Now I’m loving this Mitch! Great fun and real wisdom.
Thank you, Pete!
You did a great job, Mitch!
Thank you, Ann!
So very creative and with a grand message!
Thank you!
Love the Dr. Seuss style telling of the David and Goliath Bible story! Are you considering a series?
I’ve done this and ‘Wharton Finds a Whatzit’ and might publish them somewhere along the line.