What made David, a typical shepherd, become a giant slayer?
In this article, discover 5 amazing characteristics of David in the Bible, contributing to that feat.
But first, let’s get to know him and his story.
Getting to Know David
Who was he personally?
David was the youngest son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10-13, 17:12-14).
A ruddy, handsome boy with beautiful eyes, he was tasked to take charge of the family’s sheep (verse 28 of chapter 17).
David’s name was derived from the Hebrew name Dawid, which means “beloved.” It also had its roots from dwdh and dawidum, which translate as “chieftain” or “commander”1.
Speaking of commander, David was the second king of Israel, reigning from 1011 to 971 BC. It was through his ancestry did Jesus descend.
What was his story of becoming a giant slayer?
Chosen by God through the prophet Samuel, David, a humble shepherd, was anointed to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
His journey took a courageous turn when he volunteered to face the Philistine giant, Goliath, while armed only with 1 sling and 5 smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:32-37).
With a single well-aimed stone, David struck down the giant, securing an improbable victory (1 Samuel 17:48-51). This triumph brought him into national prominence and marked a turning point in his life.
5 Amazing Characteristics of David in the Bible, Paving the Way to His Rise as a Giant Slayer
1) David was humble.
Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David remained humble, acknowledging his mistakes when confronted by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:13).
His humility was also evident in the face of Goliath, where he relied on God’s strength, stating, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47, NIV).
This humility distinguished David from seasoned warriors and allowed him to face challenges with reliance on divine guidance.
His capacity to admit his errors, seek forgiveness, and attribute victories to God showcased a humility that contributed to his transformation and endeared him to both God and the people.
2) He was faithful to God.
David consistently demonstrated faith in God’s providence, evident when he declared to Goliath, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47, NIV).
David’s psalms, like Psalm 23, further reveal his intimate connection with God, reflecting a heart devoted to the Almighty.
Ultimately, his faith guided him through trials, victories, and even repentance after his shortcomings. This ultimately solidifies his legacy as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).
3) He was fearless.
When confronted by the giant Goliath, David’s courage stood out as he boldly declared, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47, NIV).
His fearlessness was not rooted in his own strength but in his trust in God’s power.
Despite the odds, David faced Goliath head-on, armed with only 1 sling and 5 smooth stones. This audacious act showcased his unwavering confidence in God’s ability to overcome the seemingly insurmountable.
4) He was resourceful.
When faced with the giant Goliath, David demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness by choosing some stones as his bullets for the sling (1 Samuel 17:40).
His ability to utilize what he had rather than relying on conventional weaponry showcased his practical and innovative approach to challenges.
5) He was a strategic thinker.
David chose not just any part of Goliath’s body but aimed for a vulnerable spot, his forehead (1 Samuel 17:49).
This deliberate and tactical approach showed David’s keen understanding of anatomy and battlefield strategy, turning a seemingly simple shepherd into a cunning warrior.
What Have You Learned?
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Share them with us in the comments below.
To learn more about David, read his narrative here and watch the video below.
- Siegfried Horn, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary, 272-75 [↩]
21 Responses
I am so blessed about the character of King David
May the good Lord help us to be like him,so that we will be the man next to God,s heart
Amen, Banyini. This is what God desires for us. He desires our trust and love. In love comes obedience.
Amazing I am blessed with the word of God.
Like David, the LORD let me know that I am also a man after HIS OWN HEART.
Studying about 5 charecterics of David encourages me to hold on to the Lord,have a willing heart to do things according to the wif God,God is always in my case, in my favor
Indeed, Ruth. David’s character serves as a model for God’s people. Like David, we must put our faith and love in God above all else.
I am challenged by his selflessness and his love for the things of God. May the Lord help us with the spirit of David which is also the spirit of Christ
I also pray that our Lord God grants you the same courage and devotion to Him, Ekow.
I am blessed and pray that God increase my obedience to his words to grow,develop,become rooted and established like David, to be used by God.
Thank you.
I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will give you the fortitude and the spirit to obey, Bulus.
David characteristics has greatly inspired me to reexamine my relationship with God when facing challenges of life. God plead for grace from You oh ! Most High in Jesus name.
This is an excellent reflection, Oho. We are fortunate to have access to the Bible. The stories are instructive for children and contain important lessons for people of all ages.
Gods love davids heart he knew his potential is from God, he always repainting his sin, he always seek to have good heart, he has a broken heart, i always praying like this am seeking this heart, God wants a worship, that worship is a broken heart.
Young as he was He did not question the hatred he received from his family
I want to worship God in truth and in spirit just like David and my
Ultimate desires are for God to teach me his word and help me to keep his commandments.
My name is David, and king david has always been the most relatable person to me in the Bible, all of my mistakes and weaknesses, but still looking for God’s heart,and always pressing forward,knowing God has the control to keep me on the path I need, it’s hard sometimes, the trials and hardships, but always realizing it’s making me a better Christian, May we all press on and fight the good fight, praise the LORD GOD for his mercy and grace.
One of many things I’ve learned about David in his psalms is many of his deep distresses and persecutions he faced everyday any praying to LordJesus our God apply in .y life today.i endure everyday domestic hardships.But though Davids reason we’re different,I can relate to all the persecutions he faced from his enemies yet the sweetness of David’s psalms and the healing he’s received in calling on the Lord Jesus when he needed Him most to deliver him from the enemies grasp was to trust in Him .right down through the wire.Thank you David for all your psalms& sharing them with all humanity and giving Christians an example.trust in the LordJesus in hard times.
David is a key figure in the Bible… and God brought upon him Honor and Power through one thing: sincere Passion For God. He was a man like you and me, but he knew his spiritual priority that trickled down to his life-style and that was: Seek God’s Face by going after His heart. Remember, he was a man like you and me, and the human troubles and temptations were inevitable but God’s spirit brought him back to Light because of his willingness to change. He didn’t give up on Salvation at his darkest and lowest moments.
King David, a man’s man and more importantly, God’s man.
He is an important teaching character for boys and men, and even more today! In this lost world, he is a person all men and boys could strive and attain as a Godly approved masculine character. Don’t get me wrong, we should all strive to be like Christ. But, perfect like Christ is untrainable because of Christ’s nature of being God. Christ was pure without sin. But, David on the other hand was a sinner and acknowledged being a sinner and falling short of God. He admitted he was human and needed to be saved from himself and his sins. And, he knew when things were beyond his control and always cried out to God. What a role model! What a person I can become as a man while achieving to follow Christ!
And, do not forget, Christ’s earthly lineage traces all the way back to David. So, we could consider him being a indicator of Gods love and a marker on the road of Gods promise of salvation through Jesus Christ! If God love a sinner like David and hear his prayers, especially when David called out in times of trouble he got himself into, God can love us all sinners. He loves us so much He wants to save us from ourselves like a good Father. He does that with His Son, Jesus Christ….Son of God, Son of Man, Son of David!
I wonder if the soldier under David’s command that David had killed and then took his wife for his own after sleeping with her and getting her pregnant thinks David was selfless and courageous? Lets see, thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not murder, bear false witness against your neighbor, shall not covet….4 out of 10…..nice….I mean seriously. And people read the Psalms like David was so fantastic. READ 2 Samuel 12….Nathan said to David, “YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!” More of Nathan and less of David ALL DAY LONG…..I love the TRUTH!!!! I LOVE JESUS CHRIST!!!!!
All have sinned and come short,but God forgives