Source Channel · retold from 1 Samuel 17
Two armies stand facing each other. The Philistines on one mountain, Israel on the other, with a valley between them. Every day a man steps forward, and no one goes out to meet him.
The Man from Gath
His name is Goliath, and he comes from Gath. He is six cubits and a span tall, wears a helmet of brass and a coat of mail, and carries a heavy spear. He challenges Israel: let one man fight with him.
Saul and all Israel hear his words. They are dismayed and greatly afraid. For forty days the Philistine comes forward, morning and evening.
A Shepherd with Five Stones
David is the youngest son of Jesse and keeps his father's sheep. His father sends him with bread and cheese to his brothers in the camp. There he hears Goliath defy Israel.
David wants to fight the Philistine. Saul says he is but a youth. David tells how a lion and a bear took a lamb out of the flock and he took it back from them – and that the LORD, who delivered him then, will also deliver him out of the hand of this Philistine.
Saul puts his armour on David. David cannot walk in it, because he has not tried it, and he takes it off again. He takes his staff, chooses five smooth stones out of the brook, and has his sling in his hand.
In the Name of the LORD
Goliath sees David and disdains him, for he is but a youth. David answers him:
“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
“for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.”
– 1 Samuel 17:47
The Philistine comes toward David. David runs to meet him, takes a stone and slings it. The stone strikes Goliath in the forehead, and he falls upon his face to the earth.
“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him”
– 1 Samuel 17:50
When the Philistines see that their champion is dead, they flee.
What This Has to Do with You Today
David wears no armour that fits him. He goes with what he knows, and in the name of the LORD. Maybe you are facing something right now that seems bigger than you – this story tells what David relied on.
Never Alone Guide: When you fight →
Bible quotes: King James Version (public domain). This retelling stays with the Bible text and adds no events. Photos: Unsplash.
