The 5 Spiritual Giants and How to Slay Them

Cotm Neath
2 days ago
3 min read

5 ancient Giants stand against musty mountains with the title 5 Spiritual Giants and how to slay them

By Joel Dorman

Scripture is intentional. Every name, every battle, every victory and defeat carries a principle for life. The five giants mentioned in the Bible are no exception — each one symbolises a spiritual force that still seeks to intimidate, distract, or oppress God’s people today.

David stood before Goliath with a confidence that didn’t come from skill or strength. It came from intimacy. He knew the Shepherd’s voice the way a sheep knows the sound of safety. That relationship gave him authority. And the same God who empowered David has equipped you with everything you need to discern, stand firm, and conquer.

At some point, you will have to choose to live out what you believe.

“You! At some point will need to make a choice and live it.” — Pastor Joel Dorman

This is your invitation to rise.

Giant 1 — Goliath

Spirit of Religion | Pride | Shame | Arrogance

Goliath taunted Israel day after day, demanding their surrender and mocking their worship. He embodies the spirit that whispers, “You don’t belong here. You’re not enough.” But David, anchored in covenant identity, worshipped in spirit and truth. He didn’t negotiate with the giant — he confronted him.

How to Slay Goliath

Be stubborn enough to see it through
Know your covenant identity in Christ
Worship in spirit and truth
Face your enemy head‑on
Reject shame — embrace conviction

Giant 2 — Ishbi‑Benob (2 Samuel 21:16)

Spirit of Control | Pettiness | Possessiveness | Self‑pity

Ishbi‑Benob is the giant that waits in the shadows. He drains your strength, silences your worth, and wears you down with introspection and fear. His goal was to kill David — and his goal is to kill your confidence.

How to Slay Ishbi‑Benob

Your worth is in God, not your works
Hold ministry lightly — make room for growth
Honour the anointing in others
Create space for fruitfulness
Remember: healthy things grow, and growing things change

Giant 3 — Saf/Sappai (2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 20:4)

Spirit of Anxiety | Hypocrisy | Double‑mindedness

Saf is impulsive. He rushes ahead, reacts emotionally, and opens the door to confusion. He offers insight without transformation — a counterfeit spirituality that mimics discernment but leads you away from God’s clarity.

How to Slay Saf/Sappai

Surrender emotions and seek God’s voice
Renew your mind daily with Scripture
Stay clear‑minded and undeterred
Guard what you allow into your life
Remember: confusion and anxiety are not from God

Giant 4 — Lahmi (1 Chronicles 20:5)

Spirit of Lust | Gluttony | Narcissism | Orphan Spirit

Lahmi represents the war over bread — the battle for what (or who) you feed on. He craves attention, affirmation, and applause, yet produces nothing of substance. He is the giant of empty hunger.

How to Slay Lahmi

Feed from the Bread of Heaven (Christ)
Put others before yourself
Pursue honest, accountable friendships
Reject insecurity and the lie of lack
Let God be your protection, healing, and provision

Giant 5 — The Unnamed Giant (1 Chronicles 20:6–7)

Spirit of Deception | False Authority | Intimidation

This giant is subtle. He mimics God’s voice, provokes, and manipulates. He represents unholy covenants, unhealthy relationships, and false direction. His goal is compromise — to pull you just slightly off course.