David and Goliath Bible Story for Kids— How Faith Made a Boy Defeat a Giant (1 Samuel 17)
Introduction
The David and Goliath Bible story is what we usually think about when we face something big. Have you encountered a situation so big that you didn’t know what to do?
That’s how the army of Israel felt when they stood before a giant named Goliath — a warrior who terrified an entire army of Israel! But a young David shows up and everything changes.
David’s story reminds us that when we trust God, no giant — no matter how strong or scary — can stand against His power.
The David And Goliath Bible Story Begins
Goliath The Giant Torments Israel
The Israelites were at war with the Philistines. The Philistine army camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephesdammim. King Saul, who was the king of Israel, camped in the valley of Elah with the army of Israel.
1 Samuel 17: 3 The Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. (WEB)
Out of the Philistine camp came a man named Goliath, a giant over nine feet tall. He wore armor so heavy that most men couldn’t even lift it, and he carried a spear that was so big.
Every day for forty days, Goliath stepped forward and shouted to Israel’s army. He told them to send someone to fight him. If he were defeated, then the Philistines would be servants to Israel. However, if he won the battle, then Israel would serve the Philistines.
1 Sam 17:10 ” … I defy the armies of Israel today! Give me a man, that we may fight together!” (WEB)
The soldiers were terrified. No one dared to face him — not even King Saul himself. Every time he said those words, fear swept through the camp of Israel. They were so scared of Goliath the giant.
David the Shepherd Boy Arrives
In the David and Goliath Bible story, things begin to get interesting at this point. One day, a young shepherd named David came to the battlefield. He wasn’t a soldier; he was just bringing food to three of his older brothers. It is them who were soldiers. David was the lastborn in the family, and he was the one who would look after their father’s sheep. Every time the army of Israel saw Goliath, they ran away from the battlefield.
The king of Israel offered great rewards to anyone who would kill Goliath. The king promised things like giving his daughter in marriage, riches, and not paying taxes for the entire family.
When David heard Goliath mocking God and the Israelites, something stirred inside him.
1Sam 17:25 “… For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David asked.
His brothers told him to be quiet, but David couldn’t. A fire was burning in his heart. David knew very well how powerful God was, and He still is. He couldn’t endure someone insulting Israel and God. He believed someone had to stand up for God’s honor. David inquired about the reward that King Saul had offered to anyone who would kill Goliath, and he was told. His brothers mocked him. But David knew that with God, all things are possible!
People started talking about David in the camp of Israel. When King Saul heard about David’s courage, he sent for him.
David rejects King Saul’s armour
Saul had become hopeful; however, after he looked at the young shepherd, he gave up. He even attempted to discourage David by telling him that he couldn’t fight Goliath. He told David about how he was just a young boy and that Goliath had been fighting battles since he was young. To anybody, it seemed like David didn’t have the experience or the strength to fight Goliath.
David explained to Saul that he had fought and killed a lion and a bear. Those wild animals had attacked the sheep of David’s father when he was looking after them. In the David and Goliath Bible story, these are things that everyone didn’t know, except David. He declared that Yahweh, who had delivered him from the lion and the bear, would also deliver him from Goliath. Even an assessment from the king of Israel couldn’t water down his faith.
1Sam17:37 …..Saul said to David, “Go! Yahweh will be with you.”
Saul, seeing David’s faith, gave him his own armor — but it was too heavy. David could hardly walk in it!
So he took it off, picked up his staff, sling, and five smooth stones, and went out to face the giant — trusting only in God. This is a powerful lesson in the David and Goliath Bible story.
David kills Goliath
When Goliath saw David coming, he laughed.
1Sam 17:43 “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” he mocked.
But David replied with words that still echo through history:
1Sam17:45 “…You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today, Yahweh will deliver you into my hand. I will strike you and take your head from off you…”
Then David ran toward the giant, put a stone in his sling, swung it with all his might, and let it fly.
The stone struck Goliath in the forehead. The giant stumbled, fell to the ground, and died instantly. The terror of Israel was gone instantly. Just like that, it was over. God had given Israel the victory.
When the Philistines saw that their champion Goliath was dead, they ran away in fear. The army of Israel pursued them and defeated them. God had used one small boy with faith to bring down a mighty enemy that had paralyzed the entire army of Israel. David trusted in God to give him the victory. He didn’t trust in weapons or his own strength. His physical size was nothing compared to a giant, and he was also still young. But he knew that with God, anything was possible! That is a David and Goliath Bible story lesson you should not forget.
Lesson Summary
God doesn’t look at size — He looks at the heart.
Faith in God makes the impossible possible.
Courage comes from trusting God’s strength, not our own.
Like David, we can face our “giants” — fears, problems, or challenges — when we remember who fights for us.
Discussion Questions for Children
Activities and Resources
- Printable: David and Goliath Bible story coloring pages
- Craft Idea: Make a paper sling and five “stones” with faith words written on them — like Courage, Trust, Prayer, Obedience, Love.
- Memory Verse:
“The battle is the Lord’s.” – 1 Samuel 17:47 - Video Resource: “David and Goliath Bible Story” animation for kids
Frequently Asked Questions About the David and Goliath Bible Story
Why is this story important for kids?
Because it teaches that God can use anyone — even the youngest or smallest — to do great things when they believe in Him.
What can parents and teachers emphasize?
That bravery doesn’t come from strength, but from faith in God’s promises.
How does the David and Goliath Bible story connect to Jesus?
Just as David defeated the giant no one else could, Jesus defeated sin and death for us — the biggest “giants” of all.
Closing Thought
When David faced Goliath, everyone thought the battle was impossible — but faith changed everything.
God still looks for hearts like David’s — hearts that believe “the battle belongs to the Lord.”
If you loved the David and Goliath Bible story, you will find yourself also loving the Abraham and Isaac Bible Story—Why Did God Ask Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac? (Genesis 22).