DAVID AND GOLIATH


1 Samuel 17:1-58

Key Verse: 17:45



  1. How did the Philistines and Israelites deploy their forces? (1-3)How is Goliath described? (4-7)How did the Philistines use him for psychological warfare? (8-11,16) How is this similar to Satan’s strategy? (Heb2:14-15)



  1. In the meantime, what were David and his brothers doing? (12-15) What mission did his father give David? (17-19)How did David come to know Israel’s situation? (20-25,27) How was his view of Goliath and his own people different from others’? (26)



  1. How did David’s eldest brother disparage him? (28) How did David draw Saul’s attention? (29-32) Why was Saul reluctant at first, and how did David persuade him to let him fight? (33-37)



  1. How could this young man David have such confidence? Think especially about his shepherd’s heart, his fighting spirit and his faith in God. What can we learn here about the importance of the small and personal battles in our lives?



  1. How did Saul try to prepare David for battle? (38-39)What did David choose instead? (40) Why were his sling and stones the best weapon for him? What is your “sling and stone”?



  1. How and why did Goliath underestimate David? (41-44) Read verses 45-47. Compare and contrast David and Goliath in terms of their dependence, purpose and attitude toward God.



  1. How are the battle and David’s victory described? (48-51a)What was the effect on the Philistines, the Israelites and Saul? (51b-58)What are some contemporary Goliaths, and what can we learn from David about how to fight the Lord’s battles?