Chapter 3: The Shepherd Arrives

One day, David's father sent him on an errand.

JESSE“Take this bread and grain to your brothers at the camp. See how they are doing and bring back news.”— 1 Samuel 17:17-18

David left the sheep with a keeper and set out early the next morning. He arrived just as both armies were taking their positions, shouting battle cries across the valley.

David left the supplies with an officer and ran to find his brothers. As he was greeting them, Goliath stepped out from the Philistine lines and roared his usual challenge. David watched the soldiers of Israel turn and flee. But he did not run. He stood and listened as Goliath mocked the army of God.

The men around him whispered about the reward - whoever kills the giant would receive riches, the king's daughter in marriage, and his family would never pay taxes again.

David's heart burned. Not for the reward. For the honor of God.

DAVID“Who is this Philistine that he dares to defy the armies of the living God?”— 1 Samuel 17:26

Eliab, his eldest brother, overheard him and his anger grew.

ELIAB“Why did you come here? Who is watching those few sheep? I know your arrogance. You just came to watch the battle.”— 1 Samuel 17:28

David turned away and kept asking his question to others. Soon, word of his boldness reached the king.

Saul sent for him.

When David stood before the throne, he spoke without hesitation.

DAVID“Let no one lose heart because of this giant. I will go and fight him.”— 1 Samuel 17:32