Question 1

Why did David leave the sheep with a keeper before going to the battlefield?

Accepted Answer

David leaving the sheep with a keeper shows that he was careful and faithful in small things, even when a bigger task called him away. He did not just run off and forget his everyday job. His father had told him to go to the camp and check on his brothers, but David still made sure the flock was cared for. This helps us see his character. Before he ever faced Goliath, he was already acting like a responsible shepherd who could later be trusted to care for God’s people.

Question 2

What was happening when David first heard Goliath speak?

Accepted Answer

When David arrived, the armies of Israel and the Philistines were lining up for battle, facing each other. David greeted his brothers, and while he was talking with them, Goliath came out from the Philistine side as their champion. Goliath repeated the same mocking, defiant words he had been saying day after day. The Israelite soldiers saw him, were terrified, and ran away from him again. Right at that moment David heard Goliath’s challenge for himself, not just as a report from others.

Question 3

Why were the men of Israel so afraid of Goliath?

Accepted Answer

The men of Israel were deeply afraid because Goliath looked strong and dangerous, and he had been coming out daily to challenge and insult them. They saw only his size and power and forgot the power of the God they served. Their fear was so great that a whole army trembled before one man. This fear also showed a weak trust in God at that time. Instead of remembering that they were the armies of the living God, they acted as if they were on their own, with no help beyond themselves.

Question 4

Why did David ask about the reward for killing Goliath?

Accepted Answer

David heard the soldiers talk about a reward for anyone who killed Goliath: great riches, the king’s daughter in marriage, and freedom for his father’s house. He asked about it, but his main concern was not the prize. His words show that what really troubled him was the shame on Israel and the insult to God. He called Goliath an uncircumcised Philistine and spoke about taking away the reproach from Israel. The reward came up in the talk, but David’s heart was set on God’s honor.

Question 5

What does David mean by calling Goliath an uncircumcised Philistine?

Accepted Answer

When David calls Goliath an uncircumcised Philistine, he is pointing out that Goliath is outside God’s covenant people. Israel was marked as belonging to the living God, but Goliath was not. David is not just using a rude name; he is reminding everyone that the one who is mocking them does not have God’s promise, while they do. This helps explain David’s courage. He sees the fight not simply as man against man, but as God’s people against someone defying their God.

Question 6

What does the phrase “armies of the living God” tell us about this passage?

Accepted Answer

When David talks about “the armies of the living God,” he is reminding the soldiers who they really are. They are not just Saul’s army or a group of frightened men. They belong to the God who is alive, active, and able to save. Goliath is not only insulting Israel; he is insulting God Himself. David’s words show that he thinks in terms of God’s power and honor, not just human strength. This helps explain why David is bold when everyone else is afraid.

Question 7

Why did Eliab get angry with David and accuse him of pride?

Accepted Answer

Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard David asking about Goliath and the reward and became angry. He accused David of pride, a bad heart, and of coming only to watch the battle. Eliab also mocked David’s small job by speaking of “those few sheep.” His reaction seems to come from jealousy and irritation, not from careful judgment. He did not see David’s concern for God’s honor; he only saw a younger brother speaking up where he thought he did not belong. This shows that even family can misunderstand godly zeal.

Question 8

What does David mean when he says, “Is there not a cause?”

Accepted Answer

When David answers, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?”, he is saying that he has a real reason to speak. Goliath is mocking the armies of the living God, and Israel carries God’s name. David is not just being curious or proud. He believes that God’s honor is at stake and that someone should stand up. His words show both his innocence against Eliab’s charge and his sense that this situation calls for action, not silence. For David, God’s cause is worth facing danger and criticism.

Question 9

How does this passage show God preparing David for greater work?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, David is still a young shepherd sent on an errand by his father, carrying food and greetings. Yet God arranges things so that he arrives just as Goliath comes out. David’s faithfulness in caring for the sheep, his quick obedience to his father, his zeal for God’s honor, and his calm reply to his brother’s anger all show the kind of heart God is shaping in him. Before David ever holds a throne, he is being prepared in hidden, ordinary duties and in this sudden test on the battlefield.

Question 10

How can David’s response to fear and criticism help believers today?

Accepted Answer

David walks into a fearful camp where everyone is talking about Goliath’s size and the king’s reward. Instead of joining their fear, he speaks about God and calls the army what it really is: the armies of the living God. When his own brother attacks his motives, David does not explode or give up. He simply asks what he has done and turns to speak with others. This gives a pattern for facing hard things: remember who God is, care about His honor, stay faithful in what He gives you, and do not let unfair criticism silence you.

1 Samuel 17:20

¶ And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

David Accepts the Challenge

David Accepts the Challenge

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1 Samuel 17:20

¶ And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

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David Accepts the Challenge

David Accepts the Challenge

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