But then …
David was a shepherd boy and a musician 1 Sam 16:11-13 see also 1 Sam 16:19 1 Sam 16:23
The Philistines rallied their forces for battle 1 Sam 17:1
The Philistines were stationed on one hill and the Israelites on an opposite hill, with a valley between them. 1 Sam 17:3
A champion named Goliath … came out from the Philistine camp; … 1 Sam 17:4
He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel: “Why come out in battle formation? … Choose one of your men, and have him come down to me. If he beats me in combat and kills me, we will be your vassals; but if I beat him and kill him, you shall be our vassals and serve us.” 1 Sam 17:8-9
…[Goliath] came forward and took his stand morning and evening for forty days. 1 Sam 17:16
…, David selected five smooth stones … and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. With his sling also ready to hand, he approached [Goliath]. 1 Sam 17:40
Then [Goliath] cursed David by [the Philistine] gods 1 Sam 17:43
David answered him: ” I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, … Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand; … All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle is the LORD’S, and he shall deliver you into our hands.” 1 Sam 17:45-47
David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck [Goliath] on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his [forehead], and he fell prostrate on the ground. 1 Sam 17:49
Then David ran and stood over him; with [Goliath’s] own sword … [David] … cut off [Goliath’s] head. When they saw that their hero was dead, the Philistines took to flight. Then the men of Israel and Judah, with loud shouts, went in pursuit of the Philistines … 1 Sam 17:51-52
It was a great victory won with courage, skill, and faith in God. David cooperated with God, neither leaving all the work to God alone, nor expecting his own efforts to succeed without God’s help.