For the Strength of Youth
A Fight with Goliath
For the Strength of Youth June 2026


Stories from the Old Testament

1 Samuel 17

A Fight with Goliath

David

A Fight with Goliath

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Illustrations by Katy Dockrill

His Story

The Challenge

The Philistines were at war with Israel. One day, a rather large Philistine “champion” named Goliath challenged any of the Israelites to fight him, one on one. Whoever won the fight would win the war for their people.

The Challenger

David was too young to fight in the war. But when his father sent him to the battlefield to take food to his brothers, David heard Goliath’s challenge and wanted to defend Israel.

The King

The Israelites brought David to Saul, the king. Saul told David he couldn’t fight Goliath. “Thou art but a youth,” he said. But David insisted. He trusted that the Lord would help him.

The Victory

David took a sling and five small stones to the fight. He said to Goliath, “Thou comest … with a sword … but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). Using a single stone and his sling, David beat Goliath with the Lord’s help.

Your Story

Like David, you might have days when your trials seem big and overwhelming—like there’s no way you’ll come out on top. But you can trust the Lord. As you follow Him in faith, He’ll help you through your personal “battles”—the hard things in your life.