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INTRODUCTION. David first gained his reputation as a warrior during his contest
with the Philistine giant Goliath. The Philistines had gathered in the valley of Elah to
battle the Israelites. The valley of Elah was in the lowland country of Judah, and the
Philistines stood on the mountain on one side of the valley, while the Israelites stood
on the mountain on the other side.
Jesse sent his son David to the scene of the battle to check on his three older brothers
who were with Saul and the Israelite army. The Philistines' champion, a ninefoot
giant, challenged the Israelites morning and evening for forty days.
When David heard Goliath's boasting, he was displeased and angry that the Philistine
defied the armies of God. David accepted Goliath's challenge, and with Saul's
permission, met the giant, slaying him with his sling and a single stone. He then
took Goliath's sword and cut off the giant's head. When the Philistines saw that their
champion was dead, they fled and the Israelites pursued them to the gates of the
Philistine cities.
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