41 Then Goliat came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer walking in front of him. 42 When he looked and realised that David was a reddish, good-looking lad, he despised him 43 and asked him, “Are you coming to me with a stick because you think I’m a dog?” Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come over here,” he told David, “and let me give your flesh to the vultures and wild animals.”

45 “You’re coming to me with a sword and spear and dagger,” David shouted back. “But I’m coming to you in the name of commander Yahweh, the God of Israel’s army that you’ve been taunting. 46 Today, Yahweh will help me defeat you and I’ll knock you down and cut off your head. What’s more, I’ll give the Philistine army corpses to the vultures and wild animals today, then everyone will know that there’s a God in Israel. 47 Everyone here will learn that Yahweh doesn’t save with swords or spears, because he’s in charge of the battle and will help us defeat you all.”

48 Then as Goliat went closer to meet David, David ran quickly towards him at the battle line. 49 He slipped his hand into his bag and took out a single stone and slung it towards the Philistine—striking him on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead and he collapsed forwards onto the ground, 50 and so David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone—knocking him down and killing him. Not having a sword with him,[ref] 51 David ran and stood over the Philistine—drawing Goliat’s sword out of its sheath to kill him and cut off his head.[ref]

When the Philistines saw that their powerful champion was dead, they fled 52 and the Israeli warriors started yelling and they chased the Philistines into the valley and as far as the gates of Ekron. The dead bodies of the Philistines could be seen on the road all the way from Shaaraim to Gat and Ekron. 53 When the Israelis returned from chasing the Philistines, they raided the valuables from their camp. 54 David put Goliat’s equipment into his own tent, then he carried his head to Jerusalem.