David was a young boy who took care of his father’s sheep. The green hills were his playground, and the soft wind sang sweet songs to him. He loved God very much and trusted Him with all his heart.
One day, David’s father asked him to bring food to his brothers. They were soldiers in King Saul’s army. The army was camped near a big valley where two armies were ready to fight. David walked with his little bag, feeling curious and a little worried.
Suddenly, David heard a loud, scary voice. It was Goliath, a giant man from the enemy army! Goliath was very tall and strong. He wore heavy armor that shined like the sun. His voice thundered across the valley, and all the soldiers were afraid.
“Who will fight me?” Goliath shouted. “If you win, we will be your servants. But if I win, you will be our servants!”
The soldiers trembled like leaves in the wind. No one wanted to fight the giant. David’s brothers were scared too. But David thought, “Why should I be afraid? God is with me!”
David went to King Saul and said, “I will fight Goliath!”
The king looked at David and said, “You are just a boy. Goliath is a mighty warrior.”
David smiled and said, “I have killed lions and bears when they tried to hurt my sheep. God helped me then, and He will help me now.”
King Saul gave David his armor, but it was too big and heavy. David took it off and picked up five smooth stones from the river. He put them in his little bag and took his sling in his hand.
David walked to the valley, his heart beating like a drum. Goliath laughed when he saw David. “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” he shouted.
David was not afraid. He said, “You come with sword and spear, but I come in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. Today, God will help me win!”
David put a stone in his sling and swung it fast like a bird flying in the sky. The stone flew through the air and hit Goliath right on his forehead. The giant fell down with a big boom!
The soldiers on David’s side cheered like a happy river flowing fast. They ran to the valley and chased the enemy away. David smiled and thanked God for His help.
That day, David showed that even a small boy can be brave when God is with him. The sun shone bright, and the birds sang songs of joy. David’s heart was full of happiness and trust in God’s great power.
Questions to think about
- Why was David not afraid of Goliath?
- What did David use to fight the giant?
- How did David trust God in the big battle?
- What happened when David threw the stone?
- How do you feel when you remember God is with you?
Message of the story
God gives us courage and strength when we trust Him, no matter how big the problem is.
Bible passage
1 Samuel 17 (World English Bible)
1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. They gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
2 Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up for battle against the Philistines.
3 The Philistines stood on one hill, and Israel stood on another hill, with the valley between them.
4 A champion went out from the camp of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
5 He had
