Event
David and Goliath
The giant and the sling
While the army trembled, the young shepherd David faced the giant Goliath without armor, with only a sling and five stones, and the faith that “the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17).
The giant who froze the army
Goliath had been taunting Israel for 40 days; no one dared to face him. David, a young shepherd bringing food to his brothers, is shocked that anyone would mock the living God.
Faith instead of armor
He refuses Saul's armor and goes with a sling and five stones: 'You come against me with sword… but I come against you in the name of the LORD'. The victory shows that the battle belongs to God.
Did you know?
- David had already faced a lion and a bear protecting the flock, his faith grew in obscurity. 1 Samuel 17:34–37
Where to read in the Bible
- 1 Samuel 17
Connections
- foreshadows Jesus of Nazareth · editorial reading · 1 Samuel 17:50
- central figure of David · stated in the text · 1 Samuel 17:49
- adversary Saul · cross-reference · 1 Samuel 17:38