“Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine” 1 Samuel 17:40.

Most are familiar with this verse as it is part of the narrative regarding the battle between David and Goliath. While there are many excellent lessons that can be learned from this encounter, the faith of David or the power of God, this verse about David choosing five smooth stone has always intrigued me. Why did he take five stones to fight the giant when only one was needed? Was David concerned that he might miss with his sling? What reason could he possibly have for wanting to choose five smooth stones? The reason, in my opinion, my have something to do with the giant’s family.

David probably picked up five smooth stones to kill Goliath because Goliath had four relatives (2 Samuel 21:16, 19; 1 Chronicles 20:4, 5).  In that ancient culture there was a phenomenon called “blood revenge.” If a person were to harm another person, often times a relative would come and take vengeance on the offender.  Then, it might occur where a retaliation was made and then more relatives got involved on both sides and an escalation of violence often followed.  David possibly knew that if he would defeat Goliath he would also have to deal with his relatives.

Here’s a great lesson for us. David was prepared to go the extra mile, to fight not just one giant, but all the giants. As Christians, we sometimes try to do “just enough” for the Lord. We may only want to be involved in one small aspect of the Lord’s work when we need to prepare to fight all the “giants” of sin. Paul wrote, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:22-24). Whatever our work is, we need to do it with all our might! Plan to do more than “just enough” in the service to the Lord.

Also, keep in mind another thing Paul wrote, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). We should never neglect doing good toward others, we should not think we can limit how much we do for the Lord. Let’s be like David and plan to do more than most people expect!

By: Justin Odom