Seminaries and Institutes
1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath

“1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 96–97

“1 Samuel 17,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 96–97

1 Samuel 17

David and Goliath

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known of any in the Bible. As you read the story in 1 Samuel this time, look for what David considered his source of strength and courage. Also ask yourself questions like these: What effect could the events in chapter 16 have on the events in chapter 17? Why was it significant that David defeated Goliath after he had been “anointed” by the Lord’s prophet?

Chapter 17 of 1 Samuel may help you think of answers to these questions as well: What “Goliaths” are there in your life? What covenants have you entered into with the Lord that can give you strength to overcome your “Goliaths”? How can what David did to show his faith in the Lord’s promises apply to situations in your life?

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 1 Samuel 17.

  1. What Did They Say?

    1. Write down one thing each of the following people said in 1 Samuel 17: Goliath, Jesse, Eliab, David, and the men of Israel.

    2. Write what you think are the two significant things David said or did in 1 Samuel 17, and explain why.

  2. Draw a Picture

    Use information in 1 Samuel 17 to draw some part of the David and Goliath story.

  3. Make a List

    1. List what you think are the three biggest temptations facing people your age in the Church in your area.

    2. Make a list of five ideas or quotations from 1 Samuel 17 that you would use in a talk entitled “Overcoming Our Personal Challenges.”