1 Samuel 17:31-47 - David Appears Before Saul
31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul. Saul sent for him. 32 David told Saul: No one should be discouraged because of this. I will go and fight this Philistine.
33 Saul responded to David: You cannot fight this Philistine. You are just a boy. He has been a warrior since he was your age.
34 David replied to Saul: I am a shepherd for my father's sheep. When a lion or a bear comes and carries off a sheep from the flock, 35 I go after it, attack it, and rescue the lamb. If the lion or bear turns on me, I grab it by the throat and beat it to death. 36 I have killed lions and bears. I will do the same to this heathen Philistine. He has defied the army of the living God. 37 Jehovah saved me from lions and bears. He will save me from this Philistine. Saul answered: Go and Jehovah be with you.
38 He gave his own armor to David for him to wear. It consisted of a copper helmet, which he put on David's head, and a coat of armor. 39 David strapped Saul's sword over the armor and tried to walk. But he could not walk. I cannot fight with all this, he said to Saul. I am not used to it. So he took it all off. 40 He took his shepherd's stick and picked up five smooth stones from the stream and put them in his bag. With his sling ready, he went out to meet Goliath.
41 The Philistine, preceded by the man carrying his shield came closer and closer to David. 42 The Philistine got a good look at David and he despised him. David was only a young man with a healthy complexion and good looks. 43 The Philistine asked David: Am I a dog that you come to attack me with sticks? So the Philistine called on his gods to curse David. 44 Come here, the Philistine told David, and I will give your body to the birds.
45 David answered: You come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I come out to fight you in the name of Jehovah of Hosts. He is the Almighty God of Israel's army. You have insulted him! 46 Today Jehovah will help me defeat you. I will knock you down and cut off your head! I will feed the bodies of the other Philistine soldiers to the birds and wild animals. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a real God. 47 Everybody here will see that Jehovah does not need swords or spears to save his people. Jehovah always wins his battles. He will help us defeat you!