One Stone Was Enough…Or Was It?

"Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:40 ESV

Why did David pick up five stones? The answer might blow your mind! It did mine.

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known Bible stories. I have heard it in sermons, read it in Scripture, and even sung the children’s song: “And one little stone went into the sling, and the sling went round and round...” I know David's story well!

But have you ever stopped to wonder why David picked up five stones when he only needed one? If he had such complete confidence in God, why the extras? Was it just in case he missed? Or was there something more? This is where it gets really interesting for me!

Did you know, the giant had brothers! And perhaps they were not all brothers in the sense that they shared the same parentage, but there were 4 other giants.

David’s choice was not about doubt, it was, in a strange sort of way, a prophecy of sorts.

Fast forward to 2 Samuel 21:15-22, and we find something remarkable: Goliath had four relatives, all of them giants, and all of them eventually killed by David and his men.

Here’s who they were:

Ishbi-Benob: Nearly killed David, but Abishai came to his rescue.

Saph (or Sippai): Another Philistine giant taken down.

Lahmi: Specifically called Goliath’s brother.

A giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot – Killed in battle by Jonathan, David’s close friend.

I did not know this until my study this morning.

When David picked up those five stones, he wasn’t just thinking about Goliath, he was ready for all the giants that might come after him. And sure enough, years later, these other giants showed up to fight Israel. By then, David was older, and his mighty men stepped in to take them down.

This means that David’s battle with Goliath was not a one-time event, it was just the beginning. His faith in God was not just for a single moment of victory but for a lifetime of warfare and triumph.

I have always loved the story of David and Goliath, but it means even more to me now!

The lesson here is powerful: Faith is not just about one battle, it’s about being ready for whatever comes next. David wasn’t just trusting God for one victory; in a way he was,

perhaps, metaphorically, preparing for the battles of the future! And just like David, when we face giants in our lives, we need to be ready, not just for one challenge, but for the journey ahead.

So, what giants are you facing? Are you picking up your five stones, trusting God not just for today but for the road ahead? I hope so.

by Jeanette Stark - Wednesday, March 26, 2025