Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
David chose five stones and used one
David chose five smooth stones from the brook, and one stone struck Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:401 Samuel 17:49–50
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"He took his staff in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag." 1 Samuel 17:40
David told Goliath he came "in the name of the LORD of Armies". He slung one stone, which struck the Philistine in his forehead. 1 Samuel 17:451 Samuel 17:49–50
What the Bible does not say
Scripture does not say why David chose five stones.
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1 Samuel 17:40 WEB
40He took his staff in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag which he had. His sling was in his hand; and he came near to the Philistine.
1 Samuel 17:49–50 WEB
49David put his hand in his bag, took a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine in his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand.
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For children
David picked five smooth stones from a stream. He trusted God, and he needed only one stone!