Read 1 Samuel 17:32–50 in your chosen translation. Everything below is original teaching commentary by Living Letters, not a Bible quotation. Suggested ages and timings can be adapted.
THE LEARNING GOAL
Identify the reasons David gives for his confidence and distinguish courage from reckless imitation.
Open the conversation
Ask how preparation can help with a difficult but safe task, such as speaking to a class or learning a new skill.
Read and notice
David volunteers to face Goliath, but Saul doubts that someone so young can confront an experienced warrior. David responds by describing his experience protecting a flock. His explanation combines remembered experience with trust in God’s deliverance.
Saul offers equipment that David has not tested. David takes it off and selects stones for his sling. Ask learners to distinguish these details from popular retellings: he takes five stones, but the account describes the decisive strike with one.
This is a violent conflict narrative, so avoid dramatic reenactments with projectiles. The lesson is not an instruction for children to confront dangerous people. Discuss courage through safe examples such as speaking honestly, requesting help, or preparing for a difficult responsibility.
Explore together
Make an evidence table with three rows: past experience, equipment choice, and stated trust. Find a supporting verse for each.
Questions worth asking
Invite learners to answer from the passage first. Open a suggested answer when you are ready to discuss it.
1. What experience does David describe to Saul?
Suggested answer
Protecting his father’s sheep from a lion and a bear (verses 34–37).
2. Why does David remove Saul’s equipment?
Suggested answer
He has not tested or become accustomed to it (verse 39).
3. How many stones does he take?
Suggested answer
Five smooth stones (verse 40). Distinguish preparation from the single stone described in verse 49.
Inside the activity pack
- Word search
- Find six key words, then point to where they connect with the reading.
- Matching
- Connect four names, objects, or ideas with clues and references.
- Flashcards
- Review the same four connections aloud or with a partner.
- Missing words
- Complete a short review of the teaching notes. This exercise uses commentary, not a Scripture quotation.
Use one activity or all four. For younger learners, read instructions aloud and work together. For older groups, ask for evidence from the passage before showing answers.
Published November 10, 2026 · Living Letters · Editorial approach · Suggest a correction