Why did David pick up 5 stones when he only needed one ?
This was not an act of doubt, but of faith joined with wisdom. David’s choice of five smooth stones was intentional. Scripture later reveals that Goliath had four other giant relatives (1 Chronicles 20:4–8). Should they have appeared alongside him, David was ready — one stone for each of them.
In time, these four were indeed slain by David’s warriors, as recorded in 2 Samuel 21:15 – 22:
- Ishbi-Benob (v.16)
- Saph (v.18)
- Goliath the Gittite (v.19; distinct from Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion slain by David)
- The unnamed giant of Gath with six fingers and six toes (v.20)
Thus, David’s preparation was both prudent and prophetic, anticipating an even greater victory God would grant over all of Israel’s enemies.
Targum Jonathan on 1 Samuel 17:40 adds this detail: David inscribed God’s name on the stones and invoked the merits of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), including Aaron and Joseph. That totals five names, matching the five stones.
