KIDS KORNER

A BOY, A GIANT, AND A SLINGSHOT

David went to deliver food to his three older brothers who were at a battle. He thought he would get to see the soldiers fighting. But there, on the other side of the valley, stood a GREAT BIG GIANT. And, of course, no one wanted to fight him because he was just, well...just so BIG! So his brothers and the rest of the Israelite army were just standing there, looking very scared.

David looked around at the scared faces surrounding him. Why was everyone so SCARED of this big bully? God was on their side, so why were they afraid? David wasn’t impressed. Something had to be done!

David walked up to one of the men and asked, “Isn’t anyone going to fight that man?” The soldier looked down at him. “You mean Goliath?” David nodded. “Yes, is someone going to fight him or not?”

“Are you kidding? He’s too big!” the soldier replied. “He’d crush our strongest men in a second! NO ONE’S going to fight THAT giant.”

David stared at him with a smile. “Then I’LL fight him!” The man laughed, “Oh, you’re just a boy! In fact, you should be going home now.” David turned around and walked away, trying to ignore the laughter and sneers of the crowd. So what if he WAS just a kid? God was on his side, too!

Just as he was about to leave the camp, a man came running up behind him. “Excuse me. Are you David?” he asked.

“Yes, I am. Is there something wrong?” David asked him.

“Just come with me, please,” the man responded, taking David’s arm gently. He took David to a large tent where inside sat King Saul on his royal throne. David stepped forward and respectfully asked, “Sir, you wanted to see me?” The King looked down at the small boy before him. “Uh, yes. Go fetch the man who said he wanted to fight Goliath.” David smiled proudly. “That’s me!”

King Saul looked at him strangely, and David stopped smiling. “Is there something wrong, King Saul?” he asked timidly.

“YES! YOU cannot fight Goliath! You are nothing but a small boy. He would crush you in an instant,” King Saul bellowed.

“But God is on my side, right? He’ll protect me. You don’t have to worry, King. It’ll be okay. I promise,” David said. “King Saul, God is on my side. I’m not scared. Please let me go fight the giant.” King Saul went back to his throne and sighed heavily. “All right. You may go,” he said. “But please be careful.” David smiled and walked out of the tent.

David soon reached the valley where the giant was standing on the other side. David picked up five smooth stones. He placed one into his leather slingshot and stepped closer to the giant. “What is this?” Goliath bellowed loudly. “The Israelites send me a BOY to fight?” David shivered, then straightened his back and lifted his chin. “But God is on my side. You can’t hurt me! And I’m NOT scared!”

Goliath laughed, and David began to swing his slingshot in the air faster and faster. Goliath saw what he was trying to do and began walking towards him. Then SNAP! David snapped the slingshot and the rock flew through the air, straight at Goliath’s forehead, and WHAM!! David’s eyes widened as the giant went cross-eyed for a moment, then fell over! The giant was dead and Israel was saved!! David had won the battle.

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