“the battle is the LORD's”

1 Samuel 17:47 (KJV)

The story

A Philistine champion named Goliath of Gath came out to challenge the army of Israel. He was a giant soldier who wore a brass helmet and a heavy coat of armor, and he carried a huge spear. Every morning and evening he shouted at the Israelites and dared them to send one man to fight him. For forty days the soldiers of Israel were too afraid to face him. But God had a plan, and winning that fight would not depend on size or strength. 1 Samuel 17:4-16

David was a young shepherd, the youngest son of Jesse, and he trusted God completely. His father sent him to the camp to bring food to his older brothers, and there he heard Goliath's challenge. David told King Saul he would fight the giant, because God had already helped him kill both a lion and a bear while he watched over the sheep (1 Samuel 17:36). Saul tried to dress David in his own armor, but David took it off because it was too big and he had never worn it before. 1 Samuel 17:17-39

Instead of the king's heavy armor, David took his sling and picked five smooth stones from the brook. He ran to meet Goliath and declared that the battle belonged to the LORD. David slung a single stone that struck Goliath in the forehead, and the giant fell to the ground. David had no sword of his own, so he used Goliath's own sword. When the Philistines saw their champion was defeated, they ran away. God gave David the victory because David trusted him rather than his own power. 1 Samuel 17:40-51

Quiz

1. What was David's job before he faced Goliath?

   • He was a fisherman
   • He kept his father's sheep
   • He was a soldier
   • He was a baker

2. What was the name of the Philistine giant?

   • Goliath
   • Jesse
   • Saul
   • Eliab

3. How many smooth stones did David choose from the brook?

   • Two
   • Three
   • Five
   • Ten

4. Where did David collect the smooth stones?

   • From the brook
   • From a wall
   • From the road
   • From a bag at home

5. What weapon did David use to launch the stone?

   • A bow
   • A sling
   • A spear
   • A pile of rocks

6. Did David wear King Saul's heavy armor into the fight?

   • Yes, all of it
   • No, he took it off
   • Yes, only the helmet
   • He wore two coats

7. Where did the stone strike Goliath?

   • His arm
   • His foot
   • His forehead
   • His shield

8. According to David, who would truly win the battle?

   • The LORD
   • The king
   • His oldest brother
   • The army of Israel