On the other side is the Philistine army with its gigantic champion, Goliath. Likely, Goliath’s name means “Conspicuous.” He is some nine feet [2.7 m] tall and is armed to the hilt. Goliath is shouting blasphemous defiance at Israel.​—1 Samuel 17:1-11.

² Who will meet Goliath’s challenge? “As for all the men of Israel, on their seeing the man, why, they went fleeing on account of him and were very much afraid.” But look​—a mere stripling youth appears on the scene! His name is David, which means “Beloved.” He proved to be “beloved” also to Jehovah because of his courageous devotion to righteousness. Samuel has already anointed David to be Israel’s future king, and Jehovah’s spirit is operating powerfully upon him.​—1 Samuel 16:12, 13, 18-21; 17:24; Psalm 11:7; 108:6.

3. How does David equip himself for battle, but how is Goliath equipped?

³ On hearing Goliath “taunt the battle lines of the living God,” David offers himself to fight the giant. When Saul consents, David sallies forth but not with the traditional armor and weapons offered by Saul. He is equipped only with a staff, a sling, and five smooth stones​—in contrast with Goliath, who is carrying a spear with a 15-pound [7 kg] head and wearing a 126-pound [57 kg] copper coat of mail! As the mighty Goliath and his shield bearer advance, ‘the Philistine calls down evil upon David by his gods.’​—1 Samuel 17:12-44.

4. How does David reply to the giant’s challenge?

⁴ How does David reply? He hurls back the giant’s challenge, crying out: “You are coming to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I am coming to you with the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day Jehovah will surrender you into my hand, and I shall certainly strike you down and remove your head off you; and I shall certainly give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines this day to the fowls of the heavens and to the wild beasts of the earth; and people of all the earth will know that there exists a God belonging to Israel. And all this congregation will know that neither with sword nor with spear does Jehovah save, because TO JEHOVAH BELONGS THE BATTLE, and he must give you men into our hand.”​—1 Samuel 17:45-47.

5. What is the outcome of the battle, and to whom goes the credit?

⁵ David boldly advances to the battle. His slingstone flies toward its mark, and Goliath slumps to the earth. Yes, Jehovah has rewarded David’s faith and courage by directing that small missile unerringly to the giant’s forehead! David runs forward, unsheathes Goliath’s own sword, and strikes off the bully’s head.

7. What issue is of concern to all of God’s people in all nations, and why?

⁷ Goliath strode forth in defiance of the God of Israel.

3. How does David equip himself for battle, but how is Goliath equipped?

³ On hearing Goliath “taunt the battle lines of the living God,” David offers himself to fight the giant. When Saul consents, David sallies forth but not with the traditional armor and weapons offered by Saul. He is equipped only with a staff, a sling, and five smooth stones​—in contrast with Goliath, who is carrying a spear with a 15-pound [7 kg] head and wearing a 126-pound [57 kg] copper coat of mail! As the mighty Goliath and his shield bearer advance, ‘the Philistine calls down evil upon David by his gods.’​—1 Samuel 17:12-44.