About the Poem

Everyone knows this well- loved story. I just wanted to have a bit of fun with and show the human frailty and humor that can exist in any story.

(Adapted from 1 Samuel 17)

David And Goliath

by John Ferris

The Philistine army faced the army of Saul,
The giant Goliath came out each day to call,
Send me a man that’ll represent you in battle,
I’ll tear him in half, then scatter you like cattle.

Goliath the giant measured six cubits and a span,
Which was well over twice the height of even a tall man,
He had six toes on each foot and six fingers on each hand,
What this brute didn’t realize, was he was about to be canned.

The giant mouthed off for at least forty days,
The army of Saul did nothing but gaze,
They wandered about with their eyes all aglaze,
They’d lost all their hope, they were all in a daze.

But young David the shepherd had brought food for his brothers,
What sickened his heart was hearing men cry for their mothers,
What’s wrong with you guys, is there no bone in your back?
What you’re needing to do is to go on the attack.

Who’s this that challenges the army of God? ,
Give me five minutes, I’ll put him under the sod,
Allow me a chance at this vile Philistine,
This uncircumcised heathen has stepped over the line.

News of his words filtered back to King Saul,
Who was greatly impressed by his bravado and gall,
If his heart was in tune and he had heard God’s call,
Perhaps he was the one to make the giant to fall.

David was summoned to meet with the king,
Who offered to him if he would but bring,
The head of Goliath who he’d have to slaughter,
David’s reward, the king’s beautiful daughter.

Not only that, Saul promised to axe
Payment by David of the king’s tax,
As well as great riches beyond compare,
Ensuring a life without worry or care.

Saul said, I’ve no choice but to tell you the truth,
I’m just concerned by your small stature and youth,
Don’t be insulted, your zeal can’t be denied,
But David interrupted, and cautiously replied,

I tell you the truth, for lies I can’t bear,
In defense of my flock, I killed a bear,
Again, and I swear, be assured I’m not lyin’
On another occasion, I killed a lion.

So King Saul clothed David in his personal armor,
He replied in polite terms he was just a sheep farmer,
Who relied on his speed and his skill and his wits,
To go into battle weighed down, for him was the pits.

David went down to the brook, and picked out five stones,
Then called to Goliath and made himself known,
The giant couldn’t work out why from the whole mob,
They’d picked on a boy, to do a man’s job.

David replied, You come with a sword,
But I come to you, in the name of the Lord,
He gives this battle into our hands,
You’ll know all about it, when this shiny rock lands.

Goliath drew near to David, who ran towards him,
He let go his sling and made the giant’s lights dim,
The stone flew like a rocket and imbedded in his fore- head,
Before he crashed down, David knew he was for sure- dead.

David ran to the body and took up Goliath’s sword,
When he hacked off his head, the army of God roared,
When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead,
They turned on their heels, and like cowards they fled.

The army of Saul pursued them for days after days,
Then returned from their chasing to praise God and His ways,
By the use of the weak things to confuse the strong,
They learned that by His faith, they could never go wrong.

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29 Visitor Comments

Monica

Hi, i recited this poem in state competition and won first place and told my friend about it and they want to use it too. we like it

Aaron

great poem

Leah

This is a good-(who am I kidding?!) GREAT poem! I loved the rhyme and humor! On a scale from 1-10 1 being bad, I would give this poem a 9. 9. I encourage you to keep writing this wonderful poetry to spread the word of the Lord! Thank you, John! Luv ya Lord!

Barb

This is a great poem A good way to remember the story. Excellent

David

Love the style, the light heartedness is refreshing, the Faith message shines through,a good solid poem that could be used in a variety of situations. Love it.

Joy

awesome!

Janea

I vote for the poet who made up the poem called David and Goliath. I used it as an inspiration for when I was writing my own poem for school on the same topic. I thought the poem really did express the main idea of the topic relating to how David defeated Goliath in the war against the Philistines using a sling-shot. It was also very creative in the manner and it has really taught me the different qualities of David and how to express them in my own way and for the creator to have related feelings for the defeat of Goliath has been a really rewarding experience for me. You had a really great impact on my future because I never really thought that poetry can be reflected as a way of expressing myself until now, so thank you very much. And you are my greatest poet of all times. And thanks to you I love poetry so much. THANK YOU AGAIN.

Bonnie

Good job of writing enjoyed reading it.

Grace

I appreciate this poem very much . it is a comfort to my journey and can relate to what David did to Goliath Grace

Charlene

this is the best poem that I have read . I love it

Kila

I really like this poem. It tells a story in an entertaining way. Good job!

Cindy

Excellent retelling of the Biblical story. Very enjoyable reading!

Lila

This was a wonderful poem! I love it! I saw your other poems, they're great too. I love to write poems and I was very inspired by your beautiful poetry. Keep writing! You're very talented!

Nkono

This is very inspiring- it encourages believers that if we can go anywhere in the name of the Lord, we will conquer.

Kelly

I loved this poem. You did a great job on it. I'm looking forward to reading some of your other poems.

Monica

It is wonderful. A year or so ago i recited this poem for my poetry recitation at state competition and won first place. Everyone in my family, church and school loved it.

hannah

two thumbs up and a pinky! really good

lupe

it was funny but most of all it was exactly as the word of God says it. thank you for your humor it bless my heart and i will share it with people that are in prison. keep us the work for the Lord. In His Service, lupe

Liary

COOL!~ a lovely~~ poem:)

angel

i loved it

bandaru

lovely poem

Charles

I really like this poem its amazing the way he can ryhme good work

Jackie

I'm sure this is a popular story with most people and I liked the way it was presented in poetry form.

where

That was a really, really cool poem. David & Goliath was always one of my fav. stories, and this new twist to it renewed my love for this story.

sally

This has just brought another new life unto me. Well displayed poem.

Brad

This just brought new life to me as well. Like a breath of fresh air. What a great story to use. cool-cool-cool

Ron

an old story given new life by a talented poet

corey

thats was a funny but good poem

tiffany

this was a good version of this story. it was very by this author very good

All Visitor Comments on this poem have been posted by people who wanted to let the author know the poem touched their hearts. If you would like to leave a comment of your own, please Vote for this poem.