Kings and Prophets · Lesson 7
David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17:1-51; 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Old Testament PrincipleTrust
God saves His people by His own power, through the champion He chooses.
We can trust God with battles that are too big for us, because the battle belongs to Him.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle belongs to the LORD.”
1 Samuel 17:47 BSB
Christ Connection · Better than
Israel needed a champion to fight the enemy they could not beat. Jesus is the better champion: He defeated sin and death for us, and His victory becomes ours.
Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15
The Big Story · Redemption
God is rescuing His people. Here He gives them a champion to win a battle they could not win, a picture of the greater rescue He would bring through Jesus.
Teacher Guide
God saves His people by His own power, through the champion He chooses.
Before class
- Read 1 Samuel 17:1-51 and 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
- Print one handout per child for their age group.
- Mark a line 9 ft 9 in long on the floor with masking tape (Goliath's height).
- Fill a grocery bag with heavy books for the object lesson.
- Tape a paper "Goliath" (a big sheet of paper with a drawn face) above a bin for the review game.
Supplies
- Craft sticks
- Rubber bands
- Plastic spoons
- Cotton balls or pom-poms
- Paper cups
- A tape measure
- Masking tape
- Printed handouts (one per child)
- Crayons
- Pencils
- Masking tape
- Tape measure
- Bibles (one per child in 3rd–6th grade)
- A grocery bag of heavy books
- Scrap paper
- A bin or bucket
- Large sheet of paper and a marker
- Paper crown
Class plan
| Welcome and opening hook | 5 min |
| Bible story | 10 min |
| Talk about it | 8 min |
| Activity or skit | 12 min |
| Review game | 5 min |
| Live It and prayer | 5 min |
| Total | 45 min |
Background
God had already chosen David to be Israel's next king (1 Samuel 16:1-13), but no one outside his family knew yet. Saul was still king, and the Philistines, Israel's strongest enemy, had come to fight.
The two armies faced each other across the Valley of Elah. Instead of a full battle, the Philistines sent out one champion. Whoever won the fight between the two champions would win for his whole army (17:8-9). For forty days Goliath stepped out and dared Israel, and no one went to meet him (17:16).
Notice what bothers David most: Goliath is defying "the armies of the living God" (17:26). David's confidence isn't in himself. He remembers how the LORD rescued him from a lion and a bear (17:37), and he tells Goliath the reason for the whole fight: "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (17:46).
A note on height: the Hebrew text most Bibles follow says "six cubits and a span" (about 9 ft 9 in). Some ancient copies say "four cubits and a span" (about 6 ft 9 in). Either way, Goliath towered over Israel's soldiers.
- Valley of Elah
- Where the two armies faced each other (17:2-3).
- Gath
- Goliath's hometown (17:4).
- Bethlehem
- David's hometown (17:12).
Bible Times
A sling, not a slingshot
A sling was two long cords with a little pouch in the middle. A shepherd put a stone in the pouch, swung it around, and let one cord go. The stone flew fast and far. Shepherds used slings to protect their sheep, and armies had trained slingers.
Shepherds kept sheep safe
Shepherds stayed with their sheep day and night, leading them to grass and water. In David's time, lions and bears still lived in the land, and a shepherd had to protect the flock (1 Samuel 17:34-35). It was often the youngest son's job.
One champion for everyone
Sometimes, instead of two whole armies fighting, each side sent out one champion. Whoever won, his whole side won (1 Samuel 17:8-9). That's why Israel needed someone to face Goliath.
Who were the Philistines?
The Philistines lived near the sea in five big cities: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron. Goliath came from Gath. They knew how to make iron weapons, and Israel did not (1 Samuel 13:19-22).
Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?
Goliath was "six cubits and a span" tall. That's about 9 feet 9 inches, taller than any doorway in your house!
1 Samuel 17:4
Goliath's bronze armor weighed 5,000 shekels, about 125 pounds. That's like wearing a big grown-up on your back!
1 Samuel 17:5
The iron tip of Goliath's spear alone weighed about 15 pounds, as much as a bowling ball.
1 Samuel 17:7
Some soldiers in Israel were so good with slings they could "sling a stone at a hair and not miss."
Judges 20:16
David was the youngest of eight brothers. His three oldest brothers were in Saul's army.
1 Samuel 17:12-14
Christ Connection: Better than
Israel couldn't win this battle. They needed one champion to fight in their place, and when he won, the victory belonged to everyone who had been too afraid to fight.
That is a picture of what Jesus does for us. We can't defeat sin and death on our own. Jesus fought that battle in our place and won (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15), and His victory becomes ours. Help kids see that the hero of this story is God, who saves His people, not David's bravery.
The New Testament doesn’t make this connection directly; teach it as an illustration of what Jesus does, not as a claim about this passage.
Words to know
- Champion
- One person who fights for a whole group.
- Philistines
- A people near the sea who were enemies of Israel.
- Sling
- Two cords and a pouch used to throw a stone fast and far.
- Armor
- Heavy metal clothes that protect a soldier in battle.
- Defy
- To stand against someone and insult them.
- Anointed
- Chosen by God, shown by pouring oil on someone's head.
Say it right
- Philistines
- FILL-uh-steens
- Goliath
- guh-LIE-uth
- Elah
- EE-luh
- Jesse
- JESS-ee
- Eliab
- ee-LIE-ab
Object lesson
Who carries the heavy bag? 5 min
You’ll need: A grocery bag of heavy books
- Ask a volunteer to carry the heavy bag across the room. Let them try, then stop before anyone strains.
- Ask, "Was that too heavy for you?" Then pick up the bag yourself and carry it easily.
- Say, "Some battles are too big for us. Israel's soldiers knew Goliath was too big for them. But David knew the battle belonged to the LORD."
The point: We aren't strong enough for our biggest battles, but God is. He fights for us, and Jesus fought the biggest battle of all.
Theo’s Workshop
Build challenge
Giant-sized challenge 15 min
You’ll need: Craft sticks, Rubber bands, Plastic spoons, Cotton balls or pom-poms, Paper cups, A tape measure, Masking tape
- Run a strip of masking tape up a wall to 9 feet 9 inches high. Say, "This is how tall Goliath was!" (1 Samuel 17:4). Have kids stand next to it.
- Teams build a launcher. Stack and band craft sticks together, add a plastic spoon on top with a rubber band, and test it.
- Stack paper cups into a "Goliath" tower. Each team gets three launches from behind a line to knock it down.
- Measure how far each team's best launch flew, and cheer for the winner.
- Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Ask, "Did David win because he had the best sling?"
How it works: A launcher works like a lever. When you push down on one end, the other end moves faster and farther. A sling works in a similar way, making a stone move much faster than a hand could throw it. Shepherds practiced for hours, and some slingers in Bible times could hit a target the width of a hair (Judges 20:16).
The point: David was skilled, but he knew the battle belonged to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). He went out in God's name, not in his own strength. Jesus is the greater champion who fought our biggest enemies, sin and death, and won for us.
Safety: Launch only cotton balls or pom-poms, and never aim at people. Grown-ups handle the rubber bands for young kids.
Act it out
The giant and the shepherd 10 min
Parts: Narrator, Goliath, David, King Saul, Eliab, Soldiers (everyone else)
Props: Paper crown
NarratorFor forty days, a giant came out to shout at God's people.
GoliathSend someone out to fight me!
SoldiersNot me! Not me!
NarratorOne day young David came with food for his brothers.
EliabWhy are you here? Go back to your sheep!
DavidWho is this giant to insult the armies of the living God?
King SaulYou're only a boy. At least wear my armor.
DavidI can't even walk in this! The LORD saved me from the lion and the bear. He will save me now.
NarratorDavid picked up five smooth stones.
GoliathAm I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?
DavidYou come with a sword and spear, but I come in the name of the LORD!
NarratorDavid swung his sling… and down went Goliath! (Goliath falls slowly, dramatically.)
EveryoneThe battle belongs to the LORD!
Review game
Stone toss 5 min
You’ll need: Scrap paper, A bin or bucket, Large sheet of paper and a marker, Masking tape
- Each child crumples a sheet of scrap paper into a "smooth stone."
- Ask a review question. Whoever answers gets to toss a stone at the paper Goliath above the bin.
- After every toss, everyone shouts, "The battle belongs to the LORD!"
Snack idea: Five smooth stones
Give each child five round crackers or pieces of round cereal on a napkin. Count them together and say the memory verse before eating. Check for allergies first.
Tips by age
- Preschool
- Keep the battle short and calm. Spend your energy on "God is bigger!" and let kids shout it every time.
- K–2nd
- Let kids lie down along the tape line. Seeing how tall Goliath was makes the story real.
- 3rd–4th
- Kids this age want to be brave on their own. Keep steering back to who David trusted.
- 5th–6th
- Ask what Goliath trusted in and what David trusted in. The two speeches (17:43-47) are the heart of the lesson.
Song ideas
- My God Is So BigPreschool, K–2nd · Traditional; big motions
- Only a Boy Named DavidPreschool, K–2nd, 3rd–4th · Traditional
- Our God3rd–4th, 5th–6th · Modern worship song
- Mighty to Save5th–6th · Modern worship song
Song titles only. Use any recording or songbook your church has permission to use.
Note for parents
Today we learned that the battle belongs to the LORD. Israel's soldiers were too afraid to face Goliath, but God saved His people through David, a young shepherd who trusted Him.
Ask at dinner: What is something that feels too big for you right now? What does this story tell us about God?
Memory verse: "It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle belongs to the LORD." (1 Samuel 17:47)
Going deeper
1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 20:7; Romans 8:31-37
Preschool (ages 3–5)
God is bigger than anything.
Memory verse
“The battle belongs to the LORD.”
Adapted from 1 Samuel 17:47
Start here
Stand on a sturdy chair (or hold your hand up high) and ask, "Who is taller than me?" Let kids stretch as tall as they can. Then say, "Today we're going to meet a GIANT!"
Bible story 4 min
God's people had a big problem. A giant named Goliath came out every day and yelled at them. He was big. So, so big! Everyone was scared.
Say it togetherGod is bigger!
A boy named David came to bring food to his brothers. David took care of sheep. When a lion or a bear came, God helped David keep his sheep safe.
David heard the giant yelling. David was not scared, because he knew God was bigger.
Say it togetherGod is bigger!
David picked up five smooth stones. He went to Goliath and said, "The battle belongs to the LORD!" David swung his sling. The stone flew, and down went the giant!
God's people were safe. God helped them, because God is bigger than anything.
Say it togetherGod is bigger!
Talk about it
- Who was big and scary?
Answer help
Goliath the giant.
- Who is bigger than the giant?
Answer help
God!
- What can you do when you feel scared?
Answer help
Pray and ask God to help.
Activities
Big and small 5 min
- Say "Goliath!" and have everyone stretch up tall.
- Say "David!" and have everyone crouch down small.
- Say "God!" and have everyone jump and shout, "God is bigger!"
Color the shepherd boy 10 min
You’ll need: Printed handouts, Crayons
- Give each child the coloring page of David with his sheep.
- While they color, ask, "Who helped David?"
Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge
Giant-sized challenge 15 min
You’ll need: Craft sticks, Rubber bands, Plastic spoons, Cotton balls or pom-poms, Paper cups, A tape measure, Masking tape
- Run a strip of masking tape up a wall to 9 feet 9 inches high. Say, "This is how tall Goliath was!" (1 Samuel 17:4). Have kids stand next to it.
- Teams build a launcher. Stack and band craft sticks together, add a plastic spoon on top with a rubber band, and test it.
- Stack paper cups into a "Goliath" tower. Each team gets three launches from behind a line to knock it down.
- Measure how far each team's best launch flew, and cheer for the winner.
- Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Ask, "Did David win because he had the best sling?"
How it works: A launcher works like a lever. When you push down on one end, the other end moves faster and farther. A sling works in a similar way, making a stone move much faster than a hand could throw it. Shepherds practiced for hours, and some slingers in Bible times could hit a target the width of a hair (Judges 20:16).
The point: David was skilled, but he knew the battle belonged to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). He went out in God's name, not in his own strength. Jesus is the greater champion who fought our biggest enemies, sin and death, and won for us.
Safety: Launch only cotton balls or pom-poms, and never aim at people. Grown-ups handle the rubber bands for young kids.
Student handout
Copy one for each child. The front is a coloring page. The back is a take-home page for families, with questions to ask, the week’s challenge and a cut-out memory verse card.
Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full Preschool (ages 3–5) PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.
Real life today with Theo
At home
When it's dark at bedtime and you feel scared, say, "God is bigger!" and pray.
At school
On the first day at preschool or a new class, God is with you. He's bigger than scared feelings.
Sing and move
- My God Is So BigTraditional; big motions
- Only a Boy Named DavidTraditional; count the stones on your fingers
Our chant: God is bigger!
Goliath is BIG! (stretch up tall)
David is small. (crouch down low)
But God is BIGGER! (jump!)
Bigger than them all! (arms out wide)
Live It
Pray when you feel scared. God is bigger.
Pray together
Dear God, You are bigger than anything. Help me trust You when I'm scared. Amen.
Kindergarten – 2nd grade
God is strong, and I can trust Him.
Memory verse
“The battle belongs to the LORD.”
Adapted from 1 Samuel 17:47
Start here
Point to the tape line on the floor. Ask, "How tall do you think the tallest man in the Bible was? Taller than me? Taller than the door?" Let kids guess, then tell them the tape line shows exactly how tall he was.
Bible story 6 min
Every morning a giant stomped out and shouted at God's people. His name was Goliath, and he was more than nine feet tall. The soldiers shook. Nobody wanted to fight him.
GoliathSend someone out to fight me!
Day after day, for forty days, nobody went.
One day a young shepherd named David came to bring food to his big brothers. He heard Goliath shouting at God's people.
DavidWho is this giant to talk about the living God like that?
David went to King Saul. "I will fight him," he said. "When I took care of my sheep, God saved me from a lion and a bear. God will save me from this giant too."
King Saul gave David his armor, but it was too big and heavy. David took it off. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and took his sling.
GoliathHa! You're just a kid!
DavidYou come with a sword and a spear. I come in the name of the LORD!
Say it togetherThe battle belongs to the LORD!
David ran toward the giant. He put a stone in his sling and let it fly. The stone hit Goliath, and down he went! God had saved His people.
Talk about it
- Why were the soldiers afraid?
Answer help
Goliath was huge and strong.
- Who did David say the battle belongs to?
Answer help
The LORD.
- Why wasn't David afraid?
Answer help
He remembered how God saved him before, and he trusted God.
- What is something big that you can trust God with this week?
Activities
How tall was Goliath? 10 min
You’ll need: Masking tape, Tape measure
- Before class, mark a line 9 feet 9 inches long on the floor.
- Have kids lie down end to end along the line. How many kids tall was Goliath?
- Ask, "Who is even bigger than Goliath?" (God!)
Match the story 10 min
You’ll need: Printed handouts, Crayons
- Kids match each word (sheep, armor, stones, giant) to the right sentence by writing its letter.
- Color the picture of David's five smooth stones.
The giant and the shepherd 10 min
Parts: Narrator, Goliath, David, King Saul, Eliab, Soldiers (everyone else)
Props: Paper crown
NarratorFor forty days, a giant came out to shout at God's people.
GoliathSend someone out to fight me!
SoldiersNot me! Not me!
NarratorOne day young David came with food for his brothers.
EliabWhy are you here? Go back to your sheep!
DavidWho is this giant to insult the armies of the living God?
King SaulYou're only a boy. At least wear my armor.
DavidI can't even walk in this! The LORD saved me from the lion and the bear. He will save me now.
NarratorDavid picked up five smooth stones.
GoliathAm I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?
DavidYou come with a sword and spear, but I come in the name of the LORD!
NarratorDavid swung his sling… and down went Goliath! (Goliath falls slowly, dramatically.)
EveryoneThe battle belongs to the LORD!
Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge
Giant-sized challenge 15 min
You’ll need: Craft sticks, Rubber bands, Plastic spoons, Cotton balls or pom-poms, Paper cups, A tape measure, Masking tape
- Run a strip of masking tape up a wall to 9 feet 9 inches high. Say, "This is how tall Goliath was!" (1 Samuel 17:4). Have kids stand next to it.
- Teams build a launcher. Stack and band craft sticks together, add a plastic spoon on top with a rubber band, and test it.
- Stack paper cups into a "Goliath" tower. Each team gets three launches from behind a line to knock it down.
- Measure how far each team's best launch flew, and cheer for the winner.
- Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Ask, "Did David win because he had the best sling?"
How it works: A launcher works like a lever. When you push down on one end, the other end moves faster and farther. A sling works in a similar way, making a stone move much faster than a hand could throw it. Shepherds practiced for hours, and some slingers in Bible times could hit a target the width of a hair (Judges 20:16).
The point: David was skilled, but he knew the battle belonged to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). He went out in God's name, not in his own strength. Jesus is the greater champion who fought our biggest enemies, sin and death, and won for us.
Safety: Launch only cotton balls or pom-poms, and never aim at people. Grown-ups handle the rubber bands for young kids.
Student handout
Copy one for each child. The front is a one-page activity sheet with puzzles, Dasch’s facts and the memory verse. The back is a take-home page for families, with questions to ask, the week’s challenge and a cut-out memory verse card. After that come the activity pages for this lesson’s printed activities.
Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full Kindergarten – 2nd grade PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.
Real life today with Theo
At school
When the big kids on the playground make you feel small, remember that God is strong and He is with you. Tell a teacher if you need help.
With brothers and sisters
When your brother or sister is bigger and bossier, you don't have to fight back. Pray, be kind, and trust God to help.
On vacation
Trying something new on vacation, like the deep end of the pool? Listen to your grown-ups, and ask God to help you be brave.
Sing and move
- Only a Boy Named DavidTraditional; count the stones on your fingers
- My God Is So BigTraditional; big motions
Our chant: Five smooth stones
One, two, three, four, five smooth stones, (count on fingers)
David trusted God alone! (point up)
Goliath shouted, stomped and roared, (stomp, stomp)
But the battle belongs to the LORD! (fist in the air)
Live It
When something feels too big, tell God about it and ask Him to help.
Pray together
God, You are strong, and You take care of me. Help me trust You with big things. Amen.
More to explore
Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?
- Goliath was "six cubits and a span" tall. That's about 9 feet 9 inches, taller than any doorway in your house! 1 Samuel 17:4
- Goliath's bronze armor weighed 5,000 shekels, about 125 pounds. That's like wearing a big grown-up on your back! 1 Samuel 17:5
- The iron tip of Goliath's spear alone weighed about 15 pounds, as much as a bowling ball. 1 Samuel 17:7
- Some soldiers in Israel were so good with slings they could "sling a stone at a hair and not miss." Judges 20:16
Shepherds kept sheep safe
Shepherds stayed with their sheep day and night, leading them to grass and water. In David's time, lions and bears still lived in the land, and a shepherd had to protect the flock (1 Samuel 17:34-35). It was often the youngest son's job.
One champion for everyone
Sometimes, instead of two whole armies fighting, each side sent out one champion. Whoever won, his whole side won (1 Samuel 17:8-9). That's why Israel needed someone to face Goliath.
Who were the Philistines?
The Philistines lived near the sea in five big cities: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron. Goliath came from Gath. They knew how to make iron weapons, and Israel did not (1 Samuel 13:19-22).
Words to know
- Champion
- One person who fights for a whole group.
- Philistines
- A people near the sea who were enemies of Israel.
- Sling
- Two cords and a pouch used to throw a stone fast and far.
- Armor
- Heavy metal clothes that protect a soldier in battle.
- Defy
- To stand against someone and insult them.
- Anointed
- Chosen by God, shown by pouring oil on someone's head.
- Valley of Elah
- Where the two armies faced each other (17:2-3).
- Gath
- Goliath's hometown (17:4).
- Bethlehem
- David's hometown (17:12).
3rd – 4th grade
God fights for His people, so we don't have to be ruled by fear.
Start here
Ask, "Has anyone ever dared you to do something?" Let a few kids share (keep it light). Then say, "Today's story has the biggest dare in the Bible. It went on for forty days, and nobody would take it."
Bible story 8 min
For forty days, morning and evening, Goliath marched into the valley and dared Israel to send a man to fight him. He was more than nine feet tall. His armor alone weighed about 125 pounds. King Saul and his whole army were terrified.
The deal was simple: one champion from each side would fight. Whoever won, his whole army won. But no one in Israel would go.
Then a young shepherd arrived with food for his brothers. His name was David, the youngest son of Jesse. When David heard Goliath mocking "the armies of the living God," he couldn't believe no one would answer.
EliabWhy did you come down here? You should be watching the sheep!
DavidWhat have I done now? Can't I even ask a question?
Soon King Saul sent for him. "You're only a boy," Saul said.
DavidWhen a lion or a bear took a lamb from my flock, I went after it. The LORD who rescued me from the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine.
Saul put his own armor on David, but David could hardly walk in it. So he took it off. Instead he chose five smooth stones from the stream and took his shepherd's sling.
Goliath sneered when he saw him. But David called out:
DavidYou come against me with a sword and a spear, but I come against you in the name of the LORD. Today everyone will know that there is a God in Israel. The battle belongs to the LORD!
David ran toward Goliath, slung one stone, and it struck the giant in the forehead. Goliath fell facedown. The Philistine army ran, and Israel chased them away. God had won the battle for His people.
Talk about it
- How long had Goliath been challenging Israel?
Answer help
Forty days (17:16).
- What did David remember that gave him confidence?
Answer help
How God rescued him from the lion and the bear (17:37).
- David said, 'The battle belongs to the LORD.' What did he mean?
Answer help
God was the one who would win, not David's strength.
- A friend dares you to do something you know is wrong. How could remembering who God is help you?
Ellie Asks: Think It Through
- Goliath trusted his size and weapons. What do people today trust to make them feel safe? What does this story say about who is really in charge?
Activities
Look it up 15 min
You’ll need: Bibles, Pencils, Printed handouts
- In pairs, look up 1 Samuel 17:37, 17:45 and 17:47.
- For each verse, write who David says will win the fight.
- Talk about it – why did David keep talking about God instead of himself?
Giant-size 5 min
You’ll need: Masking tape, Tape measure
- Stand along the 9 ft 9 in tape line. How many of you does it take to be one Goliath?
The giant and the shepherd 10 min
Parts: Narrator, Goliath, David, King Saul, Eliab, Soldiers (everyone else)
Props: Paper crown
NarratorFor forty days, a giant came out to shout at God's people.
GoliathSend someone out to fight me!
SoldiersNot me! Not me!
NarratorOne day young David came with food for his brothers.
EliabWhy are you here? Go back to your sheep!
DavidWho is this giant to insult the armies of the living God?
King SaulYou're only a boy. At least wear my armor.
DavidI can't even walk in this! The LORD saved me from the lion and the bear. He will save me now.
NarratorDavid picked up five smooth stones.
GoliathAm I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?
DavidYou come with a sword and spear, but I come in the name of the LORD!
NarratorDavid swung his sling… and down went Goliath! (Goliath falls slowly, dramatically.)
EveryoneThe battle belongs to the LORD!
Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge
Giant-sized challenge 15 min
You’ll need: Craft sticks, Rubber bands, Plastic spoons, Cotton balls or pom-poms, Paper cups, A tape measure, Masking tape
- Run a strip of masking tape up a wall to 9 feet 9 inches high. Say, "This is how tall Goliath was!" (1 Samuel 17:4). Have kids stand next to it.
- Teams build a launcher. Stack and band craft sticks together, add a plastic spoon on top with a rubber band, and test it.
- Stack paper cups into a "Goliath" tower. Each team gets three launches from behind a line to knock it down.
- Measure how far each team's best launch flew, and cheer for the winner.
- Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Ask, "Did David win because he had the best sling?"
How it works: A launcher works like a lever. When you push down on one end, the other end moves faster and farther. A sling works in a similar way, making a stone move much faster than a hand could throw it. Shepherds practiced for hours, and some slingers in Bible times could hit a target the width of a hair (Judges 20:16).
The point: David was skilled, but he knew the battle belonged to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). He went out in God's name, not in his own strength. Jesus is the greater champion who fought our biggest enemies, sin and death, and won for us.
Safety: Launch only cotton balls or pom-poms, and never aim at people. Grown-ups handle the rubber bands for young kids.
Student handout
Copy one for each child. The front is a one-page activity sheet with puzzles, Dasch’s facts and the memory verse. The back is a take-home page for families, with questions to ask, the week’s challenge and a cut-out memory verse card. After that come the activity pages for this lesson’s printed activities.
Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full 3rd – 4th grade PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.
Real life today with Theo
At school
Someone dares you to cheat, sneak, or say something mean. Goliath's dare was loud, but God is bigger than pressure. You can say no.
In sports and games
Nervous before a big game? God doesn't promise you'll always win, but He promises to be with you, win or lose.
With brothers and sisters
When you and your brother or sister fight, you don't have to win every argument. Trust God, and let Him help you make peace.
Sing and move
- Only a Boy Named DavidTraditional
- Our GodModern worship song
Our chant: Call and response
Leader: Whose battle is it?
Kids: The battle belongs to the LORD!
Leader: Who fights for us?
Kids: The LORD fights for us!
Live It
When you're afraid this week, say the memory verse and ask God to help you do what's right.
Pray together
Lord, You fight for Your people. When we're afraid, help us trust You and do what's right. Thank You that Jesus won the biggest battle for us. Amen.
More to explore
Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?
- Goliath was "six cubits and a span" tall. That's about 9 feet 9 inches, taller than any doorway in your house! 1 Samuel 17:4
- Goliath's bronze armor weighed 5,000 shekels, about 125 pounds. That's like wearing a big grown-up on your back! 1 Samuel 17:5
- The iron tip of Goliath's spear alone weighed about 15 pounds, as much as a bowling ball. 1 Samuel 17:7
Who were the Philistines?
The Philistines lived near the sea in five big cities: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron. Goliath came from Gath. They knew how to make iron weapons, and Israel did not (1 Samuel 13:19-22).
Words to know
- Champion
- One person who fights for a whole group.
- Philistines
- A people near the sea who were enemies of Israel.
- Sling
- Two cords and a pouch used to throw a stone fast and far.
- Armor
- Heavy metal clothes that protect a soldier in battle.
- Defy
- To stand against someone and insult them.
- Anointed
- Chosen by God, shown by pouring oil on someone's head.
- Valley of Elah
- Where the two armies faced each other (17:2-3).
- Gath
- Goliath's hometown (17:4).
- Bethlehem
- David's hometown (17:12).
5th – 6th grade
Jesus is the better David. He defeated the enemy we never could.
Start here
Ask, "If your whole class's grade depended on one person taking one test, who would you pick?" Let them argue a little. Then explain that ancient armies sometimes did exactly that: one champion fought, and his whole side won or lost.
Bible story 10 min
Israel's army stood frozen on one hillside. The Philistines stood on the other. The Valley of Elah lay between them. Goliath's challenge was simple: one champion for each side, and the loser's people would serve the winner's. Israel needed a champion. They didn't have one.
- Valley of Elah
- Where the two armies faced each other (17:2-3).
- Gath
- Goliath's hometown (17:4).
- Bethlehem
- David's hometown (17:12).
Goliath was more than nine feet tall. He wore bronze armor, and his spear was as thick as a weaver's beam. For forty days he shouted his dare. King Saul was the tallest man in Israel, the one who should have gone. He stayed in his tent.
God had already chosen someone else. Not long before, the prophet Samuel had anointed Jesse's youngest son, David, as Israel's future king (1 Samuel 16). David was still a shepherd. He came to the battle lines only to bring food to his brothers.
David wasn't upset by Goliath's size. He was upset by his insults.
DavidWho is this Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
His brother Eliab said he was showing off. But David cared about God's honor, not his own.
When Saul doubted him, David pointed to what God had already done:
DavidThe LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
He turned down Saul's armor. He took only his staff, his sling and five smooth stones.
Listen to the two speeches.
GoliathAm I a dog, that you come at me with sticks? I will give your flesh to the birds!
DavidI come in the name of the LORD of Hosts. All the earth will know that there is a God in Israel. The battle belongs to the LORD!
David ran toward the battle line. One stone sank into Goliath's forehead, and he fell facedown. The Philistines' champion was dead, and their army ran. One champion's win became the whole nation's win.
Talk about it
- What did Goliath trust in? What did David trust in?
Answer help
Goliath trusted his size, armor and gods (17:43-44). David trusted the LORD (17:45-47).
- Why do you think David refused Saul's armor?
Answer help
It didn't fit, and the victory would clearly be God's.
- What fear would you like to hand over to God this week?
Ellie Asks: Think It Through
- Who is God? Who am I? What went wrong? Answer these from this story.
Answer help
God saves and keeps His promises; we are weak and need rescue; sin and enemies are bigger than us; God provides a champion.
- In one champion fight, one person's win counts for everyone. How is that like what Jesus did?
Answer help
Jesus fought sin and death in our place, and His victory is ours (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15).
Activities
Two speeches 15 min
You’ll need: Bibles, Pencils, Printed handouts
- Read Goliath's words (17:43-44) and David's words (17:45-47).
- In two columns, list what each one trusts in and what each one wants people to know.
- Finish this sentence on your handout – "This story is really about God because…"
Fear journal 5 min
You’ll need: Pencils, Printed handouts
- Write one thing that feels like a giant to you.
- Write the memory verse underneath it and one way you'll trust God this week.
The giant and the shepherd 10 min
Parts: Narrator, Goliath, David, King Saul, Eliab, Soldiers (everyone else)
Props: Paper crown
NarratorFor forty days, a giant came out to shout at God's people.
GoliathSend someone out to fight me!
SoldiersNot me! Not me!
NarratorOne day young David came with food for his brothers.
EliabWhy are you here? Go back to your sheep!
DavidWho is this giant to insult the armies of the living God?
King SaulYou're only a boy. At least wear my armor.
DavidI can't even walk in this! The LORD saved me from the lion and the bear. He will save me now.
NarratorDavid picked up five smooth stones.
GoliathAm I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?
DavidYou come with a sword and spear, but I come in the name of the LORD!
NarratorDavid swung his sling… and down went Goliath! (Goliath falls slowly, dramatically.)
EveryoneThe battle belongs to the LORD!
Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge
Giant-sized challenge 15 min
You’ll need: Craft sticks, Rubber bands, Plastic spoons, Cotton balls or pom-poms, Paper cups, A tape measure, Masking tape
- Run a strip of masking tape up a wall to 9 feet 9 inches high. Say, "This is how tall Goliath was!" (1 Samuel 17:4). Have kids stand next to it.
- Teams build a launcher. Stack and band craft sticks together, add a plastic spoon on top with a rubber band, and test it.
- Stack paper cups into a "Goliath" tower. Each team gets three launches from behind a line to knock it down.
- Measure how far each team's best launch flew, and cheer for the winner.
- Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Ask, "Did David win because he had the best sling?"
How it works: A launcher works like a lever. When you push down on one end, the other end moves faster and farther. A sling works in a similar way, making a stone move much faster than a hand could throw it. Shepherds practiced for hours, and some slingers in Bible times could hit a target the width of a hair (Judges 20:16).
The point: David was skilled, but he knew the battle belonged to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). He went out in God's name, not in his own strength. Jesus is the greater champion who fought our biggest enemies, sin and death, and won for us.
Safety: Launch only cotton balls or pom-poms, and never aim at people. Grown-ups handle the rubber bands for young kids.
Student handout
Copy one for each child. The front is a one-page activity sheet with puzzles, Dasch’s facts and the memory verse. The back is a take-home page for families, with questions to ask, the week’s challenge and a cut-out memory verse card. After that come the activity pages for this lesson’s printed activities.
Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full 5th – 6th grade PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.
Real life today with Theo
At school
Someone mocks your faith in class, the way Goliath mocked God. You don't need to win the argument. Answer with courage and kindness, and trust God with the rest.
Online and on screens
Online, loud voices can make you afraid or tell you who to be. Goliath was loud too. Remember who is really in charge.
With friends
A friend is being picked on. Standing up for them can feel like walking into the Valley of Elah. God goes with you.
Sing and move
- Our GodModern worship song
- Mighty to SaveModern worship song
Live It
Each morning this week, pray the memory verse over the "giant" you wrote down.
Pray together
Lord Jesus, thank You for fighting the battle we could never win. When we're afraid, remind us that the victory is Yours and that You share it with us. Amen.
More to explore
Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?
- Goliath was "six cubits and a span" tall. That's about 9 feet 9 inches, taller than any doorway in your house! 1 Samuel 17:4
- David was the youngest of eight brothers. His three oldest brothers were in Saul's army. 1 Samuel 17:12-14
A sling, not a slingshot
A sling was two long cords with a little pouch in the middle. A shepherd put a stone in the pouch, swung it around, and let one cord go. The stone flew fast and far. Shepherds used slings to protect their sheep, and armies had trained slingers.
One champion for everyone
Sometimes, instead of two whole armies fighting, each side sent out one champion. Whoever won, his whole side won (1 Samuel 17:8-9). That's why Israel needed someone to face Goliath.
Words to know
- Champion
- One person who fights for a whole group.
- Philistines
- A people near the sea who were enemies of Israel.
- Sling
- Two cords and a pouch used to throw a stone fast and far.
- Armor
- Heavy metal clothes that protect a soldier in battle.
- Defy
- To stand against someone and insult them.
- Anointed
- Chosen by God, shown by pouring oil on someone's head.
More lessons from this story
Same Bible story, a different principle.
More lessons on Trust
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Big Feelings: Taking Them to GodBig Feelings: Fear1 Samuel 21:10-22:1; Psalm 34:1-8; Psalm 56:3-4; Hebrews 2:14-15David had once beaten the giant Goliath. But when King Saul was trying to kill him, David ran to the enemy city of Gath, Goliath's hometown. When people there recognized him, David was very afraid. He pretended to be crazy so they would let him go, and God rescued him. Afterward, David wrote, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Fear is a big feeling we can take to God. When we're afraid, we can trust Him.Old TestamentTrust
With MusicThe LORD Is My Shepherd: David’s Shepherd SongPsalm 23:1-6; 1 Samuel 16:11; 1 Samuel 17:34-37; John 10:11-15David was a shepherd who wrote songs to God. In Psalm 23 he sang that the LORD is his Shepherd, who leads him, takes care of him and stays with him even in the darkest valley. Because God is our good Shepherd, we can trust Him and not be afraid.Old TestamentTrust
Jesus Walks on WaterMatthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21In the middle of a stormy night, Jesus came to His disciples walking on the water. Peter walked toward Him, but when he looked at the wind he began to sink. Jesus caught him right away. Jesus is God, and we can trust Him in every storm.New TestamentTrust
Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman Who Touched JesusMark 5:21-43Jairus begged Jesus to come heal his dying daughter. On the way, a sick woman touched Jesus' cloak and was healed, and Jesus stopped to talk with her. Then news came that the girl had died. Jesus said, "Do not be afraid; just believe." He took her hand, and she got up! We can trust Jesus even when it seems too late.New TestamentTrust
With Building BricksJesus Calms the Storm: TrustMark 4:35-41; Mark 5:1; Psalm 56:3One evening, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let us cross to the other side." They got into a boat on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was tired, so He fell asleep on a cushion. Then a huge storm came. Waves crashed into the boat and filled it with water. The disciples were terrified. "Teacher, don't You care that we are dying?" Jesus got up and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind stopped, and it was perfectly calm. Jesus had said they would reach the other side, and they did. Trust means depending on Jesus and His word, even in a storm.New TestamentTrust
Thanks Before the Rescue: Paul in the StormActs 27:13-44; Luke 22:19Paul was a prisoner on a ship to Rome when a terrible storm hit. For two weeks the sailors saw no sun or stars, and everyone gave up hope of being saved. But God sent an angel to tell Paul that everyone on board would live. Paul told them, "Take courage, for I believe God that it will happen just as He told me." Before dawn on the fourteenth night, with no land in sight, Paul took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it and ate. Everyone was encouraged, and in the end all 276 people reached land safely. We can trust God's promises and thank Him even before the rescue comes.New TestamentTrust