1 Samuel 17:40

And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.

Study Bible

Then he took his staff in his hand
The staff, in Hebrew "מַקֵּל" (maqel), is a symbol of David's identity as a shepherd. It represents his past experiences and the skills he has honed while tending sheep. The staff is not just a tool but a symbol of God's guidance and protection, reminiscent of Psalm 23:4, "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David's reliance on his staff signifies his trust in God's provision and his readiness to face challenges with the tools God has given him.

selected five smooth stones from the brook
The act of selecting "five smooth stones" is significant. The Hebrew word for stones, "אֲבָנִים" (avanim), suggests careful selection and preparation. The number five may symbolize grace or completeness in biblical numerology. The smoothness of the stones indicates they were well-suited for flight, having been shaped by the water's flow over time. This imagery can inspire believers to see how God prepares and shapes them for His purposes, using the trials and experiences of life to refine them.

and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag
The "pouch" or "כֶּלִי" (keli) in Hebrew, is a simple, practical container, yet it holds the tools for victory. The shepherd's bag represents David's humble beginnings and his resourcefulness. It is a reminder that God often uses the ordinary and the humble to accomplish extraordinary feats. This phrase encourages believers to trust that God can use their everyday skills and resources for His glory.

And with his sling in hand
The "sling," or "קֶלַע" (qela), was a common weapon for shepherds, used to protect the flock from predators. It symbolizes David's readiness and confidence in his God-given abilities. The sling, though simple, becomes a powerful instrument in God's hands. This teaches that faith, when combined with the skills God has given, can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

he approached the Philistine
David's approach to the Philistine, Goliath, signifies courage and faith. The Hebrew verb "נָגַשׁ" (nagas) implies drawing near with purpose and determination. David's action is a testament to his unwavering faith in God, who had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear. This phrase inspires believers to face their giants with confidence, knowing that God goes before them and fights their battles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
A young shepherd who would later become the king of Israel. At this point, he is preparing to face Goliath, the Philistine giant.

2. Goliath
A champion warrior of the Philistines, known for his immense size and strength, who defied the armies of Israel.

3. The Brook
A stream from which David selected five smooth stones, symbolizing his reliance on God's provision rather than conventional weapons.

4. The Philistine Army
The opposing force challenging Israel, representing the worldly powers and challenges that believers face.

5. The Valley of Elah
The location where the battle between David and Goliath took place, symbolizing the battlegrounds of faith.

Teaching Points

Faith Over Fear
David's choice of simple stones over armor demonstrates faith in God's power rather than fear of the enemy's might.

God's Provision
The selection of five smooth stones signifies God's provision of the right tools for the task at hand, encouraging believers to trust in God's resources.

Preparation and Action
David's preparation with the stones and his approach to Goliath teach the importance of both spiritual readiness and decisive action in faith.

Symbolism of the Stones
The smooth stones can symbolize the refining process of faith, where God prepares us through trials to face challenges.

Courage in Obedience
David's actions show that true courage comes from obedience to God's calling, even when it defies conventional wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does David's choice of five smooth stones over traditional weapons teach us about relying on God's strength in our own battles?

2. How can we apply the principle of "faith over fear" in our daily lives when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?

3. In what ways does the account of David and Goliath encourage us to trust in God's provision, even when it seems inadequate by worldly standards?

4. How does the symbolism of the smooth stones relate to the refining process of our faith, and how can we identify these "stones" in our own spiritual journey?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to act courageously in obedience to God. How did this experience strengthen your faith, and how can it inspire others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 23
David's reliance on God as his shepherd is mirrored in his choice of a shepherd's tools over traditional weapons.

Ephesians 6:10-18
The armor of God passage parallels David's spiritual preparation and reliance on God rather than physical armor.

2 Corinthians 10:4
Highlights the spiritual nature of our battles, similar to David's reliance on God's strength rather than physical might.