10 Interesting Facts About David and Goliath in the Bible

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known accounts in the Bible. Found in 1 Samuel 17, it is more than a tale of a boy defeating a giant — it’s a lesson in faith, courage, and God’s power to use the unlikely for great victories.

Below are 10 interesting facts about David and Goliath that bring this powerful story to life.

1. Goliath Was Over Nine Feet Tall

Goliath wasn’t just tall — he was massive. The Bible says he was "six cubits and a span" tall (1 Samuel 17:4). That’s about 9 feet 9 inches. He wore armor weighing over 125 pounds and carried a spear with a 15-pound iron point. He was truly intimidating.

1 Samuel 17:4-7 (ESV)
"And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath... He was six cubits and a span... The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam..."

2. David Was Just a Young Shepherd

David wasn’t a soldier. He was the youngest of eight sons, tending sheep while his older brothers fought in the army.

1 Samuel 17:14-15 (ESV)
"David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem."

3. Goliath Mocked Israel for 40 Days

For forty mornings and evenings, Goliath came out to challenge Israel, mocking God’s people and their army.

1 Samuel 17:16 (ESV)
"For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening."

4. David Was Sent With Food, Not to Fight

David was only on the battlefield because his father sent him with food for his brothers.

1 Samuel 17:17-18 (ESV)
"And Jesse said to David... 'Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain and these ten loaves...'"

5. David Was Outraged That No One Trusted God

David couldn’t believe that no one had stood up to Goliath yet. He saw it as dishonor toward the Lord.

1 Samuel 17:26 (ESV)
"Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

6. Saul Tried to Dress David in Armor

King Saul gave David his own armor, but David took it off because he wasn’t used to it.

1 Samuel 17:38-39 (ESV)
"Then Saul clothed David with his armor... And David said to Saul, 'I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.'"

7. David Chose Five Smooth Stones

David didn’t come with a sword — he came with faith and a sling. He picked five smooth stones from a brook (though he only needed one).

1 Samuel 17:40 (ESV)
"Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook..."

8. David Gave Glory to God

Before the battle began, David boldly declared that the Lord would deliver Goliath into his hands.

1 Samuel 17:45-46 (ESV)
"You come to me with a sword... but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel."

9. One Stone Was Enough

David ran toward Goliath and slung one stone. It struck the giant in the forehead and knocked him down.

1 Samuel 17:49 (ESV)
"And the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground."

10. David Used Goliath’s Own Sword

David didn’t even carry a sword of his own. After Goliath fell, David used the giant’s own sword to finish the battle.

1 Samuel 17:50-51 (ESV)
"Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword... and killed him."

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