1 Samuel 16:1 to 16:13; 17:32 to 17:50 The battle belongs to the Lord, who looks at the faith in our hearts rather than physical size or strength. Learn why God chose David: "The Lord looks on the heart." Follow young David confronting the giant Goliath with five smooth stones. Trust God to give courage when facing giant problems. In the Valley of Elah, the Philistine champion Goliath mocked the armies of Israel twice a day for forty days, while Saul's soldiers shook with terror. The Lord Looks on the Heart God sent Samuel to [Bethlehem](/bible/explorer/place/bethlehem) to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king. Jesse brought out his eldest son Eliab, tall and strong. Samuel thought: "Surely this is the Lord's anointed!" But God said: "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature... for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." Seven sons passed by, but none were chosen. Finally, they brought in the youngest, [David](/bible/explorer/person/david), who was tending sheep. God said: "Arise, anoint him, for this is he!" The Giant in the Valley War broke out in the Valley of Elah against the Philistines. A giant named Goliath, over nine feet tall, wearing heavy bronze armor, came out shouting insults against Israel and Israel's God: "Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me!" King Saul and his army were terrified. When young David arrived with bread for his brothers, he heard Goliath's insults and asked: "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" In the Name of the Lord of Hosts Saul tried to dress David in heavy armor, but David could not walk in it. Taking his wooden shepherd's staff, five smooth stones from the brook, and his sling, David ran toward the giant. Goliath sneered: "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" David boldly declared: "You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts!" David hurled a stone from his sling; it struck Goliath in the forehead, and the giant crashed face down into the dirt! God gave the victory. You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts. 1 Samuel 17:45 What principle did God teach Samuel when choosing the new king in 1 Samuel 16:7? Man looks on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart Always pick the tallest person Only kings can fight giants Older brothers are always best Man looks on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart God taught that inner character and trusting faith matter more than physical stature. What weapons did David bring to fight Goliath? A shepherd's sling and five smooth stones A giant sword and bronze shield A bow with flaming arrows A Roman chariot A shepherd's sling and five smooth stones 1 Samuel 17:40 says David took his staff, sling, and five smooth stones from the brook. In whose name did David declare he was confronting Goliath? In the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel In his own name In King Saul's name In his brothers' name In the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel David trusted that the battle belonged to Yahweh, the Lord of hosts. Whenever you face a "giant" challenge this week (like a hard test, peer pressure, or fear), pray: "Lord, the battle belongs to you; give me courage." Almighty God, Lord of hosts, thank you that you look at my heart and not just my outward appearance. When big problems or fears make me want to run away, remind me that you are greater than any giant. Give me bold faith like David to stand up for your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why was David confident he could defeat Goliath when all the trained soldiers were trembling with fear? What "giants" (fears, bullying, difficult situations) do kids face today, and how can God help you win? Explorers learn that God looks at the heart, and that courageous faith in God's power can overcome any overwhelming obstacle. Hold up a tape measure pulled out to nine feet. Have a student stand next to it to see how enormous Goliath was! Then show a small smooth stone. Why did David pick five stones if he only needed one? David prepared well! Some note Goliath had four giant relatives (2 Samuel 21:22), but either way, David was ready for the fight. 5 min Hook & Nine-Foot Tape Measure, 12 min Narrative, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 5 min Quiz