1 SAMUEL 17

DAVID TRUSTS GOD + BATTLES GOLIATH

While the Israelites are at war with the Philistines, a man named Goliath challenges the Israelites to a duel-style battle. Goliath is a giant warrior, towering over the others and weighing a great deal. If Goliath kills the Israelite warrior, the Israelites would be slaves to the Philistines, but if Goliath loses to the Israelite warrior, the Philistines would be slaves to the Israelites. This is a winner-takes-all, double-or-nothing style fight and the Israelites are terrified!

While the Israelites wait for someone to battle Goliath, Jesse asks David to bring some food to his seven brothers who are watching near the battlefield. While David is there, Goliath comes forward once again, challenging the Israelites to a one-on-one fight. David tells Saul that he is going to be the one to fight Goliath, but Saul tells David he is too young.

David assures Saul, remembering times he protected his sheep from lions and bears. David trusts that God would protect him in the same way he protects his sheep. David tries on some armor and a sword, but decides to go without. He chooses five smooth stones to put in his shepherd's bag with his sling. Not only is David much smaller than Goliath, he is unarmed.

When Goliath sees David, a young and armorless boy, he mocks him. David stands firm and says “although you come with a sword and a javelin, I come in the name of the Lord.” David knew the power of his God. And with just his sling and a stone, David defeats Goliath! After Goliath is knocked down by David’s stone, his head is cut off and kept as Israel’s trophy.