Most of us are blessed to start our lives with great promise – a healthy body, a curious mind, and years ahead of us. David was just such a youth. At a young age he had defeated lions and bears in defense of his family’s flocks. He was strong yet he had learned to put his trust in the Lord during challenging times. So, when he saw the Philistines mocking the armies of Israel with a giant’s scoffing words, he rose up and met that challenge.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. (1 Sam. 17:50.)
David slew Goliath with one stone. He had prepared to meet Goliath by choosing five smooth stones. Some teachers give these stones symbolic meaning to represent the qualities David carried in his heart. Qualities that could help each of us slay our own personal Goliaths.
The stones represent (1) Faith; (2) Trust; (3) Courage; (4) Obedience; and (5) Praise. And while these principles are essential to a disciple of Christ, they also remind me of the 7 qualities needed to put on the whole armor of God, which are: the shield of Faith, the sword of the Spirit, girt with Truth and Righteousness, shod with the gospel of Peace, a helm of Salvation, and lastly, Praying always.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
(Ephesians 6:10-13)
David, tragically, did not continue as valiantly as he started. He allowed himself to dally with lust, and those thoughts led to actions that led to murder. It took him only a few years to descend from the valiant heights he had attained to in his youth.
King David serves as a reminder that we are all human and subject to mistakes and errors. Even disciples of Christ can slip up if they aren’t vigilant of their testimonies.
We all start out with great promise. It’s what we do with what we’re given that counts.
For another twist on David’s 5 stone check out — “Faithful to the End” by Andrea Muñoz Spannaus https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/33spannaus?lang=eng
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