Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The armies of the Philistines gathered at Socoh, a city in Judah, between Socoh and Azekah, near Ephesdammim. Saul and the men of Israel camped on one side of the valley, facing the Philistines who stood on the other mountain.

A giant warrior emerged from the Philistine army: Goliath of Gath, six cubits and a span tall, wearing a bronze helmet and a coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels. He had greaves of bronze on his legs and carried a large spear with an iron head that weighed six hundred shekels.

Goliath taunted the Israelites, saying, "Why have you come out to fight against me? Am I not a Philistine, while you are servants of Saul? Choose one of your men to come down and fight me. If he can defeat me, we'll be your servants; but if I win, you'll serve us."

Saul and his army were terrified by Goliath's words, and they cowered with fear. Meanwhile, David, a young man from Bethlehem-judah, had been sent to bring food to his brothers in the army. He heard Goliath's insults and was outraged.

David spoke up, saying, "What will be given to the man who kills this Philistine? Who is he that dares defy the armies of the living God?" The people replied, "So shall it be done for the one who kills him." David's older brother Eliab became angry with him, accusing him of coming to see the battle out of curiosity.

But David reassured his brothers and others around him, saying, "What have I done wrong? Is there not a cause?" As he spoke, Saul sent for him. David told Saul that he would go and fight Goliath in God's name.

Saul was skeptical, thinking David too young to face the giant warrior. But David replied, "When I was caring for my father's sheep, a lion or bear would attack, and I'd chase it away, striking it down. This Philistine will be like one of them, since he has defied God."

David said that the Lord who had saved him from lions and bears would also save him from Goliath. Saul agreed to let David go, saying, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." He equipped David with his armor, but David refused it, choosing instead to fight with a sling and five smooth stones.

As David approached Goliath, the giant warrior mocked him, calling him a mere boy with sticks. But David replied, "You come against me with sword and spear, but I'll face you in God's name." He took aim and hurled one of his stones at Goliath, striking him in the forehead.

David killed the Philistine with his sling stone, then took his sword from its sheath and beheaded Goliath. The Philistines fled, and the Israelites pursued them, killing many along the way. David returned to Jerusalem, bringing Goliath's head as proof of his victory, and storing the giant warrior's armor in his tent.

When Saul saw David returning with the Philistine's head, he asked Abner, "Whose young man is this?" Abner replied that he didn't know. The king ordered an investigation, and when David was brought before him, Saul asked, "Who are you, son of Jesse from Bethlehem?"