Scripture Helps
1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7
When the Philistines came to battle against the Israelites, the giant Goliath challenged the army of Israel to send a soldier to face him in combat. David, a young shepherd, accepted the challenge and slew Goliath with the Lord’s help. King Saul placed David over his armies but later became jealous and tried to kill David. David had the chance to kill Saul but refused because the king was the Lord’s anointed. While David and his men were in the wilderness, a man named Nabal insulted them and refused to give them help. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, interceded on behalf of her husband and pacified David. After Saul died, David became king over Judah and then all of Israel. The Lord promised that David’s kingdom would be established forever.
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Background and Context
How tall was Goliath?
Based on the traditional Hebrew text, most modern versions of the Old Testament describe Goliath’s height as six cubits and a span. A cubit was roughly 18 inches (45 centimeters), and a span was about six inches (15 centimeters). Using these measurements, Goliath’s height would have been approximately 9.5 feet (nearly three meters). Some ancient texts, such as the Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls, list Goliath’s height as four cubits and a span—around 6.5 feet (two meters) tall. Regardless of which number is accurate, Goliath was an imposing and a frightening figure.
David Slays Goliath, by Gary L. Kapp
Why did opposing armies choose two warriors to fight?
In ancient times, opposing armies would sometimes select a single representative to fight on their behalf rather than engaging in a full-scale battle. This practice allowed the outcome to be determined with far fewer casualties. The chosen person from each side was known as a champion, a term translated from a Hebrew word that means “a man who is a go-between.”
What is meant by the title Lord of Hosts?
Jehovah is often called the Lord of Hosts throughout the scriptures. This title refers to His role as the leader of both the armies of Israel and the angelic hosts of heaven. The title emphasizes Jehovah’s divine power. By referring to the Lord of Hosts, David was expressing His faith that Jehovah would help him in his battle against Goliath.
How were slings used in ancient times?
Slings were commonly used as weapons during David’s time, both by shepherds protecting their flocks and by soldiers in battle. A typical sling was made of two cords attached to a leather or cloth pouch that was large enough to hold a stone. Different sizes of stones could be placed in the pouch and hurled with great force. A person skilled in using a sling could launch stones with accuracy from a considerable distance.
Why did Jonathan give his clothing and weapons to David?
By giving his clothing and weapons to David, Jonathan showed his friendship and his support of David becoming the next king. President Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “To a lesser man—or a lesser friend—than Jonathan, David would have been a terrible threat, a natural rival. But he wasn’t. We don’t know that Jonathan expected to succeed his father as king, but he certainly could have foreseen that possibility. What we do know is that ‘the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul’ [1 Samuel 18:1]. So great was their devotion to one another that they ‘made a covenant’ of loyalty. As a symbolic token of his devotion to the newly anointed king, Jonathan stripped himself of the princely robe he wore ‘and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle’ [1 Samuel 18:4].”
Why was Saul angry with David?
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Saul became an enemy to David through pride. He was jealous because the crowds of Israelite women were singing that ‘Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’ [1 Samuel 18:6–8].” Saul’s pride led him to despise David and even attempt to kill him. The Joseph Smith Translation clarifies that the evil spirit that came upon Saul described in verse 10 was not of the Lord.
Why did David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe?
As Saul pursued David, he unknowingly entered a cave where David was hiding. David could have killed Saul, but he instead chose to discreetly cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. The portion of robe David cut was the border or corner that contained distinct markings of royal status. David later used the piece of robe to show Saul that he had been entirely at David’s mercy.
David Cuts Off a Piece of Saul’s Robe, by Wilson J. Ong
How can Abigail’s actions remind us of Jesus Christ?
Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency taught:
“In this account, Abigail can be seen as a powerful type or symbol of Jesus Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, He can release us from the sin and weight of a warring heart and provide us with the sustenance we need.
“Just as Abigail was willing to take Nabal’s sin upon herself, so did the Savior—in an incomprehensible way—take upon Him our sins and the sins of those who have hurt or offended us. …
“Abigail’s bringing an abundance of food and supplies can teach us that the Savior offers to those who have been hurt and injured the sustenance and help we need to be healed and made whole. …
“Just as Abigail helped David not to have an ‘offence of heart’ (1 Samuel 25:31) and to receive the help he needed, so will the Savior help you.”
Abigail not only took full responsibility for Nabal’s actions, but she also humbly sought David’s forgiveness for her husband’s mistakes. Similarly, Jesus Christ pleads on our behalf before the Father as our Advocate and Mediator.
What does it mean to be “a son of Belial”?
See “1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25. Who were the ‘sons of Belial’?”
What is meant by the phrase “any that pisseth against the wall”?
To modern readers, the phrase “any that pisseth against the wall” used in the King James Version of the Bible may sound vulgar. However, we should keep in mind that ancient Hebrew writers used figures of speech to create “lasting images and impressions.” In this case, the phrase “any that pisseth against the wall” refers to males and “equates with the concept of exterminating a family. The same idiom (but without the offensive term) occurs, with the same meaning, in modern scripture: ‘And not many years hence, that they and their posterity shall be swept from under heaven, saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by the wall’ [Doctrine and Covenants 121:15].”
What is the book of 2 Samuel?
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book, known as the book of Samuel. It is believed that they were separated into two books during the Greek translation of the Bible. The book of 2 Samuel describes David’s anointing and reign, first over the kingdom of Judah and then over all of Israel. David is remembered as the greatest king in Israel’s history. Because of David’s faithfulness, the Lord blessed and honored him.
However, 2 Samuel illustrates that even the most righteous can fall if they are not diligent in keeping the Lord’s commandments. Chapter 11 explains how David’s decision to commit adultery with Bathsheba led him down the path of deceit and further sin. The remainder of 2 Samuel describes the suffering and pain that came upon the house of David.
What was the significance of David selecting Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom?
David likely chose Jerusalem to be the capital of his kingdom for several reasons—including its neutral location, access to natural resources, and elevated position surrounded by deep valleys, making it easier to defend against enemies.
Jerusalem “is the most significant city in biblical history.” It is likely the same location as the ancient city Salem, where Melchizedek ruled as a righteous king. Biblical tradition also identifies the location of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem as being the same hill where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac. Many prophets preached, prophesied, and performed miracles in Jerusalem. Most significantly, it was in Jerusalem that the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ took place. As part of His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will return to the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem.
Did David sin in having many wives and concubines?
Latter-day revelation affirms that the Lord approved of David’s concubines and wives, who were given by the hand of the prophet Nathan—except in the case of Bathsheba.
See also “Genesis 16:1–3. Why did Sarah give Hagar to Abraham as a wife?” and “Genesis 25:6. What is a concubine?”
Why was Uzzah smitten by God for trying to steady the ark?
The ark of the covenant was a symbol of God’s presence, His glory, and His majesty. It was normally placed in the Holy of Holies of the tabernacle, and not even the Levite priests were permitted to come near it. Only the high priest could approach it, and then only after going through an elaborate ritual of personal cleansing, which represented the cleansing of his sins.
When instructing the Israelites about how to transport the ark of the covenant, the Lord warned that any unauthorized person who touched it would die. Regarding Uzzah’s punishment, Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: “Some may reason that [Uzzah] was only trying—though mistakenly—to help out. But given the numerous times the Lord had saved and spared Israel, including the high dramas of the Red Sea and of the manna from heaven, surely He knew how to keep the ark in balance!”
How was David’s kingdom established forever?
While David was resting in his house, he thought about how the ark of the covenant had no permanent resting place. He wondered if he should build a house (or temple) for the Lord and for the ark. Through the prophet Nathan, the Lord responded that David should not build a house for Him. Instead, the Lord promised to establish David’s own house (his throne and kingdom) forever.
The Lord’s promises to David are sometimes called the Davidic covenant. Psalm 132:11–12 adds the important qualification that David’s earthly kingdom would endure only if his descendants remained faithful to the Lord. Because of wickedness, David’s kingdom was divided after Solomon’s death, with his descendants ruling over only the kingdom of Judah. In the sixth century BC, Judah was taken captive by Babylon, and David’s kingdom came to an end.
Though David’s earthly kingdom ended, the promise of a kingdom that would be established forever was ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ, a descendant of David. As the Son of God, Jesus Christ will reign forever as our Eternal King.
King David Enthroned, by Jerry Harston
Learn More
David and Goliath
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Gordon B. Hinckley, “Overpowering the Goliaths in Our Lives,” Ensign, May 1983, 46, 51–52
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Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, “Faithful to the End,” Liahona, May 2024, 59–61
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Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, “Stones of Preparation, Planning, and Perseverance,” Liahona, Aug. 2022, 40–43
Abigail
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Kristin M. Yee, “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 36–39
Media
Video
Images
Illustration of David, by Dilleen Marsh
David Slays Goliath, by Ted Henninger
A Lamp unto My Feet, by Elspeth Young