Bible moment
The Bible moment
In 1 Samuel 17:31–37, David is brought before Saul after hearing Goliath’s challenge to Israel. David offers to fight the Philistine. He explains that, while tending sheep, he rescued them from a lion and a bear. David says that the LORD who delivered him from those dangers will deliver him from the Philistine. Saul then tells David to go and says, “The LORD be with you.” The passage presents David’s confidence as trust in the LORD’s deliverance, not confidence in his own strength or experience as a soldier. David is identified in this passage as a shepherd serving his flock, and no age is given. This moment prepares for David’s next actions: he removes Saul’s armor because he cannot move comfortably in it, chooses five smooth stones from a brook, and approaches Goliath with his sling. The wider chapter shows David acting in faith while Israel faces the Philistine champion.
Look closely
What children can notice
David stands before Saul and offers to fight Goliath. He gestures as he explains how the LORD delivered him while he protected his sheep from a lion and a bear. Saul listens and tells David to go, saying, “The LORD be with you.”
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did David remember when he felt afraid?
- How can you trust the LORD when something feels difficult?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page before discussing David choosing five stones or facing Goliath. Invite children to notice that David’s courage points to the LORD’s deliverance, not to David’s own power. Keep the animal references non-graphic and focus conversation on faithful action, service, and trust.
Source note
From this passage
1 Samuel 17:31-37 · David Defeats Goliath
David stands before Saul and offers to fight Goliath. He gestures as he explains how the LORD delivered him while he protected his sheep from a lion and a bear. Saul listens and tells David to go, saying, “The LORD be with you.”
