Question:
Why did David choose five smooth stones, and what is the significance of each one? Why didn’t he just pick any stone?
Answer:
When David faced Goliath, the Bible tells us that he went down to a stream and picked five smooth stones. He used them to fight and defeat Goliath, a giant warrior from the Philistines.
1 Samuel 17:40
“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
The question arises: why five stones? What do they represent spiritually? Why smooth stones?
1. Faith and Trust in God’s Power
Some people believe David took five stones because he wasn’t sure one stone would be enough to defeat Goliath. However, this interpretation misses the deeper meaning. The reality is that David had great faith. In fact, his rejection of King Saul’s armor and weapons showed his trust in God rather than in earthly weapons or armor. David’s faith wasn’t weak, but rather rooted in God’s ability to provide victory. His actions spoke volumes about his trust in the God who had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:37).
Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
David wasn’t relying on the weapons of man but on the Lord’s power. His faith in God’s provision, even in the face of overwhelming odds, was evident in his willingness to use what seemed like simple tools.
2. Spiritual Meaning of Five Stones
Other scholars believe that the five stones represent spiritual truths that David had in his heart:
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Faith: David knew that his victory would only come through faith in God, not his own strength.
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Obedience: He obeyed God’s call to confront Goliath.
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Service: As a servant of God, David’s actions were part of his calling to stand up for God’s glory.
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Prayer: David’s dependence on prayer, especially as expressed in his psalms, reflects his ongoing communication with God.
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The Holy Spirit: His victory was powered by the Holy Spirit, who enabled him to face a giant with courage and skill.
Ephesians 6:10-17
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
David’s stones were not just physical tools but spiritual representations of what we need to face spiritual battles. Like David, we are called to put on the full armor of God and use the resources He provides to defeat our spiritual enemies.
3. The Five Stones and the Defeat of the Giants
Some theologians connect the five stones with the five sons of the giant Rephaim, one of whom was Goliath (see 2 Samuel 21:15-22). The idea is that David, in confronting Goliath, was symbolically defeating the entire line of giants. This interpretation reveals that David wasn’t just fighting one enemy, but was standing against all forces of evil, declaring God’s supremacy over all.
2 Samuel 21:16-18
“And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels, who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him.
This shows that the battle against giants was ongoing, and David’s victory over Goliath was a statement of God’s ultimate triumph.
4. Five Stones and the Fivefold Ministry
Another interpretation ties the five stones to the fivefold ministry mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, which are key to the growth and maturity of the Church. These ministries help believers stand firm in their faith and bring about spiritual victory:
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Apostles
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Prophets
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Evangelists
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Pastors
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Teachers
These five roles are foundational for building up the body of Christ and resisting the forces of darkness.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Just as David used five stones to defeat the giant, the Church is equipped with the fivefold ministry to fight spiritual battles and bring victory in Christ.
5. Persistence in Prayer and Faith
David took five stones because he was prepared for a prolonged battle. If one stone missed, he was ready to try again. This teaches us about the importance of persistence in prayer and faith. Jesus encourages us to keep praying, even when the answer doesn’t come immediately. David’s multiple stones symbolize the need for ongoing faith and trust in God’s timing.
Luke 18:1-8
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
In life, we may face trials where we pray and don’t see immediate results. But just as David had multiple stones, we are encouraged to keep praying, knowing that God will answer in His time.
6. The Stream of Living Water
David picked the stones from a stream of water, not just from any place. This stream represents the living water that flows from Jesus Christ. David knew that his faith needed to be grounded in God, the source of all life.
John 4:14
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
This stream of living water reminds us that our strength and faith come from Christ alone. Just as David drew from the stream, we must draw from the living water of Christ to sustain us in our battles.
7. Smooth Stones and Simple Faith
Finally, David chose smooth stones. These stones were not large or sharp but simple, round, and smooth. This is significant because it teaches us that even a small amount of faith, if rightly placed, can overcome great obstacles. The stone wasn’t powerful because of its size but because of the skill and faith of the one using it.
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
It’s not the size of our faith that matters, but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. A small, simple faith placed in Him is enough to move mountains.
Conclusion
David’s choice of five smooth stones wasn’t random. It was a purposeful act that reveals spiritual truths. He was prepared for battle with faith, obedience, prayer, and a reliance on God’s power. Just as David used the tools God gave him, we too are equipped for spiritual battle. Our victory doesn’t come from our own strength, but from our faith in the God who fights for us.
We can learn from David’s persistence, his trust in God’s provision, and his reliance on the living water of Christ. Like David, we must stand firm in faith, persist in prayer, and trust that even with a small measure of faith, God can bring victory.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
David’s faith was enough to defeat Goliath. Likewise, whatever faith God has given you, use it to stand firm, knowing that with God, victory is assured.
Blessings,
Shalom.