But one day his father called him away from the sheep pastures, and sent him to see his brothers, and to bring back a message from them, for he was anxious about their welfare. And he gave him parched corn and ten loaves as a gift for them.
So David journeyed to where his brothers were, and when he reached them, the armies were drawn up, the Philistines on one mountain, and the Israelites on the other, with the ravine between. And as David reached the place, he saw Goliath, coming forth to challenge the army of Israel, as he had done for forty days.
And when David heard Goliath’s words, and saw that all the army of Israel was dismayed, he was filled with indignation, and he asked, “Who is this Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
And David’s words were repeated to Saul, and Saul sent for David, and David told Saul that he would go forth and fight with Goliath.
Then said Saul, “But thou art but a youth, and this is a man of war.”
Then David answered, “I have slain with my hands both a lion and a bear, when they came to destroy a lamb of my flock. And I can also slay this Philistine, for Jehovah, who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and of the bear, will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.”
And Saul said to David, “Go, and Jehovah be with thee.” And he would have put his armor upon David, but David refused it, and taking his staff in his hand, he chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in the pocket of the shepherd’s bag which he wore. Then with his sling in his hand, he advanced to meet Goliath.
But when Goliath saw David, he exclaimed, “Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with a staff? Come on, then, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the heavens and to the beasts of the field.”
And David answered, “Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear, but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand, and all the earth shall know that Israel has a God.”