At this time, King Saul was battling the Philistines, longtime enemies of Israel.

In the valley of Elah, the two armies were poised for battle, with nothing but a hill separating them. The Philistines vastly outnumbered Saul’s army.

A Philistine giant, Goliath, appeared on the hill, and his words came roaring down like thunder:

Why should you come out to engage in battle? I am the Philistine, and you are Saul’s servants. Choose one of your men and let him come down against me. If he overcomes me in combat and kills me, we will become your slaves; but if I best him and kill him, you shall be our slaves and serve us.

The sight of the fierce giant, six cubits and a span (about 10 feet5) tall, a towering figure on the hill, clad in armour, iron and brass from head to foot, filled the Jews with great terror. There was not a single man in the Israelite camp who dared accept the challenge.

Day after day, for 40 days, this mighty giant appeared on the hill to repeat his challenge, morning and evening.

Then, young David, filled with courage, approached the giant with just a staff, a slingshot and five stones.And with one shot, he slew the giant where he stood. He proceeded to cut off his head and presented it to King Saul. The Philistines witnessing this event fled in fear. And David was a national hero.