David and Goliath
A giant warrior named Goliath challenged Israel's army and everyone was afraid. A young shepherd named David trusted God and stepped forward with a sling and five smooth stones. God gave David the victory.
You will learn to...
- Retell the story of David and Goliath.
- Understand that David's courage came from trusting God.
- Think about 'giants' we face, like fear.
Words to know
- Sling
- A strap used to throw a stone far and fast.
- Philistines
- A nation that often fought against Israel.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
The Philistine army camped across a valley from Israel's army. Every day a giant warrior named Goliath shouted challenges, and all of Israel's soldiers were afraid.
Young David, a shepherd, came to bring food to his brothers. He was upset that Goliath was insulting God. David told King Saul that God had helped him protect his sheep from a lion and a bear, and God would help him now. David couldn't move in Saul's heavy armour, so he took his shepherd's staff, his sling and five smooth stones from a stream.
David told Goliath, 'The battle is the Lord's.' He swung his sling, and a stone struck Goliath on the forehead. The giant fell, and the Philistine army ran away. God had shown his power through a young shepherd who trusted him.
David wasn't brave because he was big or strong. He was brave because he trusted God. The point of the story isn't that we should fight people; it's that God is bigger than anything we face. When we feel small, we can trust God.
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
Family conversation starters
- What 'giants' does our family face right now?
- How did David's past experiences help him trust God?
Note for grown-ups
This is a battle story. We describe Goliath falling without violent detail and emphasise trust rather than fighting.
Main people: David, Saul · Topics: Courage, Trust in God, Facing fear · Review status: awaiting theological review