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David and Goliath: 1 Samuel 17
The Philistines were challenging the children of Israel. Both armies were camped on opposite sides of the valley of Elah. The Philistines sent their champion, Goliath, to taunt the children of Israel, who were fearful of the giant. Goliath’s challenge was that the Israelites should send one of their men out to fight with him. Whoever would win, the other people would become servants of the victor’s people. “I defy the ranks of Israel this day,” Goliath would say.
Meanwhile, David was sent from Bethlehem to bring some supplies to his brothers, who were camped out with Israel at Elah. When he arrived, he saw what Goliath was doing to his people. He was dismayed at how the children of Israel were responding, and he determined that he would go out and face Goliath. “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”
At first, the men of Israel did not think David could fight Goliath. But David convinced them that they should let him go fight, and Saul conceded. David even tried on Saul’s armor, but it wouldn’t work for him. So he took his stick and went to the brook where he picked out five smooth stones for his sling. Goliath was insulted that they sent David out, but David’s confidence in God was unshaken: “This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you ... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”
David took a stone, slung it, and struck Goliath in the forehead. Goliath fell to the ground dead, and David took Goliath’s own sword and removed his head with it. When the Philistines saw this, they fled. David’s faith in God prevailed against the enemies of the Lord.
Discussion
1. Locate the valley of Elah on a map. See if you can find Socoh and Azekah. Why was this an important location?
2. Describe Goliath. How tall was he? What was his armor like? What was his attitude toward Israel?
3. Why did David think he could fight Goliath?
4. Contrast David’s faith with the rest of Israel’s fear. What made David successful in service? Why was Israel so afraid?