Seminary
Lesson 74: 1 Samuel 17—“David and Goliath”
David slays Goliath

David Slays Goliath, by Gary L. Kapp

1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7: Lesson 74

1 Samuel 17

“David and Goliath”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

When David went to fight Goliath, David was “but a youth,” facing Goliath, “a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33). However, David knew the Lord would be with him, which made all the difference. Today, we can find strength in our challenges as we face them with Jesus Christ. This lesson can help you rely on the Lord as you face your challenges.

Study the Scriptures

Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed too big to conquer? Israel was at war with the Philistines. A Philistine warrior, Goliath, issued a challenge. He said that if one of the Israelites defeated him in single combat, then the Philistines would surrender and be servants to Israel.

Goliath, however, was no ordinary soldier.

David and Goliath

note icon1 Samuel 17:4 reports Goliath’s height. Make a note next to verse 4 explaining that “six cubits and a span” is about three meters, or nine feet nine inches, tall.

Each day for 40 days, Goliath issued the challenge. King Saul and Israel’s army were afraid, but David saw things differently.

Before reading David’s response, ponder the challenges in your life. Choose one to focus on today.

mark iconUse the following instructions to study the story of David and Goliath, and mark what you discover:

Watch “The Lord Will Deliver Me” (3:23) to see a depiction of the verses you read. Then answer the following questions in your notebook:

  • What had David learned about the Lord that gave him confidence to go against Goliath?

  • How could what David learned about the Lord help us as we face our challenges?

3:24

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How can I face the Goliaths in my life?

David’s hand, holding five smooth stones

In 1 Samuel 17:40, we learned that David “chose him five smooth stones” to take to battle against Goliath.

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus posed the following question:

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus

While David used only one stone to kill Goliath, he was prepared with five. With five! This makes me think about how I can prepare myself to face the world.

What if each of David’s stones represented a strength we need to be triumphant in our lives? What could those five stones be? (“Faithful to the End,” Liahona, May 2024, 60)

note iconMake a note next to verse 40 titled “Five ways I can arm myself against challenges.” Then list five or more ways you can turn to the Lord for strength to overcome your challenges.

Gather five stones and write on each one a way you can receive strength from Christ. Place the stones where you’ll see them as reminders. For instance, you could put a stone on your pillow to prompt scripture reading before bed or place one in your shoe to remind you to pray before going out in the morning.

Option B

How is David conquering Goliath symbolic of Christ?

notebook iconIn your notebook, write a journal entry as if you were one of the Israelite soldiers who watched David go to battle. Be sure to include the following:

  1. How did you feel when Goliath challenged you each day?

  2. How did you feel when David conquered him?

  3. How do you feel about David after what he did for you and your people?

Many elements of David’s life foreshadow the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

link iconUse the following chart to explore some of the similarities between David and Jesus Christ. Consider linking the passages to make them easier to find next time you study this story.

David

Jesus Christ

David

1 Samuel 17:12

Jesus Christ

Luke 2:4

David

1 Samuel 16:11; 17:15

Jesus Christ

John 10:14

David

1 Samuel 16:13

Jesus Christ

Luke 4:18; John 1:49

David

1 Samuel 17:50–51

Jesus Christ

2 Nephi 9:10–12

notebook icon Reread the journal entry you wrote at the beginning of the activity. How might understanding the experience of David saving Israel help you appreciate being saved by Jesus Christ? Write your answer under your original entry.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: This lesson can help you rely on the Lord as you face challenges.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • A picture or description of the stones you gathered, what you wrote on them, and where you put them.

  • The journal entry you wrote for Option B.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?