# David and Goliath: courage and trust (1 Samuel 17)

> For forty days the Philistine champion Goliath challenges Israel, and no soldier dares to face him. David, a young shepherd bringing food to his brothers, volunteers. He refuses the king’s armour, takes his sling and five smooth stones, and goes out in the name of the Lord.

> Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
> — 1 Samuel 17:45 (King James Version)

> And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.
> — 1 Samuel 17:47 (King James Version)

The armies of Israel and the Philistines face each other across the valley of Elah. Every morning and evening a giant steps out and shouts his challenge.

## A challenge no one will take

Goliath of Gath stands over nine feet tall in bronze armour. He calls on Israel to send one man to fight him and settle the war. King Saul and his soldiers are dismayed and greatly afraid.

## The shepherd’s answer

David has come from the fields to bring bread and cheese to his older brothers. He hears the giant’s words and asks why no one answers them. Brought before Saul, he tells how God delivered him from a lion and a bear while he kept his father’s sheep. Saul gives him his armour, but David takes it off: he is not used to it.

## Five smooth stones

David chooses five smooth stones from the brook and walks out with his sling. Goliath mocks him. David replies that he comes in the name of the Lord, and that the battle is the Lord’s. The first stone strikes the giant’s forehead, and he falls.

## Questions to carry

What "armour" are you trying to wear that does not fit you? What giant would look different if you remembered who the battle belongs to?

## Read the chapter

Read [1 Samuel 17](/en/bible/1-samuel/17) in full.

## Sources

- [1 Samuel 17 (King James Version)](https://api.getbible.net/v2/kjv/9/17.json)
- [Gustave Doré, David Slays Goliath (Wikimedia Commons)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:071A.David_Slays_Goliath.jpg)