The hand of the Philistines was heavy upon Israel. The Philistines were an overwhelming, oppressive, intrusive presence in the land. They threatened to take away everything the people of Israel held dear. They threatened life itself, for death followed in their wake as they ravaged the land. Just when Saul and his armies were poised to drive the Philistines out of the land, Goliath appeared - a giant standing in their way.

Faced with the Philistines and their giant, Goliath, Saul and his people were feeling oppressed. Just as happens to us when we see giants in our way, insurmountable, impassable, uncooperative giants of opposition and disagreement, of competition and rejection, for Saul and his people oppression soon turned into depression. And as also happens with us, Saul and his people …