David Slays Goliath

DAVID’S YOUTH SPENT AS a shepherd boy had a profound influence on the rest of his life. It prepared him to survive as a fugitive when, in later experiences, he was forced to flee from the wrath of Saul. He also acquired skill with the slingshot. He developed endurance and courage through the challenges of rescuing sheep which had been separated from his father’s flock. David did not even hesitate to kill a lion and a bear when they took a lamb out of the flock.—I Sam. 17:34-36

However, for all his valor in the foregoing ways, David is also remembered as one skilled with the harp and as a composer of songs. David’s love for Jehovah raised his lyrics far above the common level of simple entertainment, making them classical masterpieces dedicated to the worship and praise of the Lord.

All this training prepared David for one of his greatest life achievements—shepherding God’s people. It is written: “[God] chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance, So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”—Ps. 78:70-72

When David first left his work tending his father’s sheep, at the request of King Saul, he served as the court musician to soothe the king’s troubled spirit, as well as to serve as his armor bearer.—I Sam. 16:19-23

Later, when David took food to his older brothers serving in the king’s army, he saw Goliath scoffing at Israel. He received the king’s permission to confront this gigantic Philistine enemy. (I Sam. 17:4-37) As David, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, neared Goliath, he cried, “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.” (vs. 45) David hurled the stone he had in his sling and with one blow brought down Goliath, then quickly cut off his head.—vss. 49-51

David was placed over Israel’s men of war. Often when David returned from a victorious expedition against the enemies of Israel, he would be greeted by women dancing in the streets. David’s popularity stirred up envy in Saul who soon became set upon eliminating him. From this time forward, David’s life was in constant jeopardy. However, he behaved himself so wisely that he attracted universal respect and love among the Israelites.—I Sam. 18:5-16

When Saul died it resulted in a crisis in Israel, and a period of civil war followed. David assumed his residence at Hebron in the hill country of Judah, nineteen miles southwest of Jerusalem. He was anointed king over the house of Judah and reigned seven and one-half years in Hebron. (II Sam. 2:1-11) Israel’s civil war finally came to an end, resulting in the downfall of the house of Saul. David was then anointed king over all Israel.—II Sam. 2:8–5:5

As David relied on the Lord’s strength in his life, let us seek divine assistance in all our experiences.