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David fights Goliath

David puts his trust in God to fight Goliath.
Contributed by Jack Foster
Story also available on our translated websites: Portuguese, German
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After King Saul was disobedient, God told Samuel, ‘Take some oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse as one of his sons will be the next king of Israel.’ Jesse brought out seven of his sons in age order, the oldest first, but God rejected each one as King. Samuel then sent for Jesse’s youngest son, David, who was looking after Jesse’s sheep. God said David was to become the next king, so Samuel anointed him with oil and the Holy Spirit empowered the young lad. – Slide 1
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Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit Saul had departed from King Saul and he became agitated and fearful. David, who was a good musician, was called to play his harp to comfort Saul. Saul liked David and appointed him to be his armour bearer and royal musician. – Slide 2
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David worked for Saul as well as caring for his father's sheep. He would travel between his home and the palace. While he was home, the Israelite army gathered to battle the Philistine army. The Philistines had set up camp on a hill with a valley between the armies. David's three oldest brothers had joined the army to fight the Philistines. Jesse sent David to take some grain and bread to his brothers and report on how they were doing. – Slide 3
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Everyday for 40 days one of the Philistine soldiers would come out and stand between the armies and begin taunting the Israelites. His name was Goliath and he was nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, carried a heavy spear on his back and his amour bearer held a huge shield. – Slide 4
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‘Choose someone to fight for you,’ he taunted.’ We will settle this dispute in single combat. If your man is able to kill me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves!’ <br/>None of the Israelites wanted to fight this giant, despite a large reward Saul had promised. Then to everyone’s surprise young David volunteered to take on Goliath. <br/>‘Don't be ridiculous!’ Saul replied. ‘You are just a boy! ‘<br/>With God’s help I have fought lions and bears that attacked my father’s sheep,’ David replied. – Slide 5
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David tried on the armour Saul offered him but it was clunky and uncomfortable so he took it off. Then he went down to into valley to choose five smooth stones ready to face the giant. Goliath bellowed, ‘Am I a dog that you come at me with a stick? Come over here and I'll feed you to the wild animals!’ <br/>David shouted back. ‘You come to me with a spear, javelin and a sword. But I come to you in the name of the Lord God Almighty. Today He will feed you to the wild animals and the whole world will know that there is one true God! This battle is not mine, but it is the Lord's.’ – Slide 6
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David reached into his pouch, took out a stone and placed it in his slingshot. David hurled it toward Goliath. The stone hit the giant on his head. and he fell down dead. David had trusted in God and overcome the giant. – Slide 7
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The shocked Philistine army saw Goliath fall to the ground and ran away. The Israelite army, now full of confidence, shouted triumphantly and chased the Philistines out of the land. – Slide 8
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Slide 9