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Valley of Elah
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Valley of Elah

Valley of Elah

David and Goliath · Israel

In this valley the army of Israel faced the Philistines, and every day the giant Goliath shouted his challenge. The young shepherd David, who had only come to bring food to his brothers, went out with his sling, five smooth stones and his trust in God. One stone was enough. Today the valley is quiet farmland, and above it lie the excavated walls of Khirbet Qeiyafa, a fortified town from around David's time.

Did you know?

Smooth stones still lie in the stream bed. Visitors often pick one up as a souvenir.

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An inspiring story

Not in someone else's armour

What giant are you facing right now?

For forty days Goliath came out every morning to mock the army of Israel, and nobody dared to fight him. Then the shepherd boy David volunteered. King Saul dressed him in his own armour, but David could hardly walk in it. 'I cannot go in these, because I am not used to them.' He took it off, picked five smooth stones from the stream and went with his sling. Why turn down the king's armour? Because he trusted God more than metal, and he knew what he could do with what he already had.

You don't have to fight your battle in someone else's armour. God works with what is already in your hands.

You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord.1 Samuel 17:45

Sources

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