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David’s Five Stones

By September 1, 2003November 9th, 2022No Comments

Q.

Why did David pick out five stones instead of just one before he met and killed Goliath? Was it a lack of faith on his part?

A.
The account is found in 1 Samuel 17. There are two possible answers. First, David may have been exercising simple common sense in taking several stones with him for his slingshot.

Those who take this view say that his taking five stones was no more a lack of faith and trust in God than our taking a spare tire with us in our car or locking our doors at night.

Another possible answer is that Goliath may have had four sons (see 2 Samuel 21:22) and that David wanted to be ready for them, too, should they attack him, especially after David killed their father. However there is some question as to whether this is the same account and person as in 1 Samuel 17.

This article appeared in the “Q & A” column of the Baptist Bulletin (September 2003) by Norman A. Olson. 

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