1 Samuel 17:40 “He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.”

FIVE SMOOTH STONES

The question is often asked, “Why did David choose five stones?”  The answer is quite simple.  He wanted to be loaded for action.  David was a shepherd and was skilled in the use of the sling.  He had probably killed animals that attacked his father’s sheep using that sling and some stones.  But a giant?  One stone?  Even if he did kill him with the one stone, what were the chances that the rest of the Philistines would attack anyway?

There is also the theory that Goliath had four brothers.  There are four other giants mentioned in Scripture, and they could have been related to Goliath.  We don’t know if they were there at the battle, but they could have been.  So, what can we learn from this story.

TEACHING MOMENT

Giants are everywhere.  I don’t mean real, live giants who stand nine feet tall.  I mean we face giants every day.  Your children need to know how to use the sling and the stones (not literally, lol).  Don’t you bet David’s father, Jesse, taught him to use that sling?  We have the responsibility to teach our children to defend themselves spiritually.

How is that done?  By discipling them in God’s Word.  We need to make them disciplemakers.  They should be able to face ANY battle with the confidence that their aim is true and they can fall any giant that crosses their path with His Word.  Are you preparing them with the Word?  Are you teaching them the skills necessary to bring down the giants?

Are you prepared?  Or do you run and hide when you face giants?  Do you fear and tremble like the Israelite army did in the presence of Goliath?  Even Saul was willing to allow a young David to go face the giant.  “Here, take my armor.  But I’m not going!”

As they say today, “Buck up, buttercup!”  It’s time to face the giants.  But don’t think you can do it without the power of God in your life.  You must rely on Him to fight for you, just like David told Goliath.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the confidence through your Son, Jesus Christ, to face any and all giants who may come my way.  You are the one who guides the stone.