Loading summary
Narrator
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com
ZipRecruiter Announcer
Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra fee full terms@mintmobile.com previously
Narrator
on the People Saul slid to his knees, his great shoulders trembling. His breath came in ragged gulps as he pressed his forehead against the cold floor. He did not understand it.
King Saul
You're the king. You're the king dammit.
Goliath
Act like it.
Narrator
There was something inside him. Something dark, something clawing. He had known anger before, but this. This was different. This was like a living thing.
Advisor/Herald
I was recently in Bethlehem, speaking with one of your budding new general Zaliab, son of Jesse. While I was there, I met his younger brother. He's a shepherd boy, but he is a skilled player of the lyre. His music was unlike anything I'd ever heard before. It was. It was like listening to the heavenly hosts themselves. And this young man is not only a musician, my king, why I've heard that he is resourceful as well. He could be a nice shield bearer for you.
Narrator
David lowered himself to one knee.
David
My king, I am David, son of Jesse, at your service.
Narrator
He blocked the first notes from his lyre, a soft, quiet melody that hummed through the air like a distant wind. The music, Isaac was gentle, not demanding attention, but drawing it all the same. Saul closed his eyes.
Hillsdale College Narrator
How much are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness worth to you? This is the question America's founders had to answer. You see, for more than 150 years, America's 13 colonies governed themselves until Britain declared they had no right to self rule. So ordinary people had to make extraordinary choices and risk their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to fight for independence. And against all odds they won. And in victory they built one of the most stable and lasting republics in history. Now experience the American Revolution like never before, thanks to our friends at Hillsdale College. Revolutionary America, a new documentary from Hillsdale Studios and narrated by Tom Selleck, brings the founding of our nation to life through the voices of those who lived it, alongside insights from leading scholars and commentators at a time when history is often distorted. This is your chance to see the story as it truly happened and ask yourself what you would risk for freedom. Face the decisions our founders grappled with in Revolutionary America, a Hillsdale Studios film only in theaters May 31st to June 2nd. Get your tickets now by going to Hillsdale Edu Revolution. You don't want to miss the opportunity to see this on the big screen. Go to Hillsdale Edu Revolution to locate a theater near you and buy tickets now for Revolutionary America.
Goliath
DISH has been connecting communities like yours for the last 45 years, providing the
King Saul
TV you love at a price you can trust. Watch live sports news and the latest
Goliath
movies, plus your favorite streaming apps all in one place. Switch to Dish today and lock in the lowest price in satellite TV, starting
King Saul
at $89.99 a month with our two year price guarantee.
Goliath
Call 888-@dish or visit dish.com today.
King Saul
Warning the following ZipRecruiter radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words when you're hiring.
ZipRecruiter Announcer
We at ZipRecruiter know you can feel frustrated, forlorn, even, like your efforts are futile. And you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people, only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. Fortunately, ZipRecruiter figured out how to fix all that, and right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip with ZipRecruiter you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles and fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.
Narrator
Fantastic.
ZipRecruiter Announcer
So whether you need to hire four, 40 or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com Zip to try ZipRecruiter for free. Don't forget that ZipRecruiter.com Zip finally, that ZipRecruiter.com zip
Narrator
the war drums pounded like a heartbeat, slow and steady. The Philistine camp was alive with firelight and snarling chants, the kind of primal fervor that turned men into beasts. Across the valley, King Saul stood with his men behind him, overlooking the battlefield from the ridge. He had dreamed of war and longed for its glory, the ring of clashing iron, the songs of victory. But now, standing before the Valley of Elah, he felt none of it. Jonathan was away, finishing off the Amalekites, leaving Saul to be the tip of the spear. He certainly looked the part, but anxiety gripped him. The Philistines had amassed a massive army since their last encounter with Israel. The two armies had converged in a few battles, but it had become clear that neither were going to gain the advantage over the other. They were in a stalemate. However, there was something brewing in the Philistine camp. Something different. They had received some sort of second window and were now posturing on the other side of the field. Abner Saws General stood beside him with reports.
Abner
I don't like the looks of this, my king. The Philistines are posturing in an unusual way.
King Saul
What do your scouts say?
Abner
They've brought some disturbing reports back. They're whispers that a new commander from Gath has taken over.
King Saul
The people of Gath have more reason to hate us than most, especially after what happened with the Ark of the Covenant. What is so unusual about our scouts reports?
Abner
They say that this man isn't human. He's a descendant from the warriors of old.
King Saul
What's his name?
Abner
He doesn't have a name. Only a title.
Narrator
Before Abner could finish his sentence, a low, guttural chant echoed across the canyon from the Philistine camp. The enemy swayed as one, an undulating mass of shields and spears, their voices rising with the beat of the drums.
King Saul
What are these dogs barking about?
Narrator
The Philistine chant became louder. Saul could hear them in their native tongue.
King Saul
Tabby. You know the Philistine language better than I do. What are they saying?
Advisor/Herald
I believe they're chanting the Titan of Gath.
Narrator
The swaying and chants quickened with the beats. They hissed and sneered at the Israelites. Their sways became frantic and animalistic. Then the Philistine horde parted. They crouched and bowed to their knees, cackling like hyenas. The drums ceased, but the ground was still shaking. Saul could feel the quaking of the earth on his chest.
Goliath
Goliath.
Narrator
Goliath.
Goliath
Goliath.
Narrator
Goliath. Something's wrong. The ground trembled beneath Saw's feet as he watched the horde part in two. A shadow loomed over them, walking through the center. The creature had the shape of a man, but his size that of legend. He seemed to be a relic of a darker age. His legs were thick as tree trunks, his chest clad in a coat of iron scales. Muscles coiled beneath his skin like cables of rope. A spear of solid iron rested in one hand, thick as a weaver's beam, its tip gleaming like a fang in the sun. The other hand gripped a massive sword that lesser men would struggle to lift. Goliath, the Titan of Gath. The. The Philistines roared his name. A Chant rolling like a storm across the valley. Goliath grinned, drinking in the sound like a strong wine. He marched to the edge of the valley, swinging his sword lazily, then turned his gaze upon the Israelite army. Even from this distance, Saul swore the brute could see the fish fear in his eyes. The giant lifted his sword and swung it at a nearby tree. The thick trunks shattered, splintering into a thousand pieces before tumbling down the rocky slope. The Philistines banged their weapons against their shields, howling in delight. Goliath stretched out his arms.
Goliath
Saul. Where is Saul? Saul.
Narrator
Saul's entire body clenched as the beast said his name. He rolled his shoulders back and replied,
Goliath
here I am, Saul, king of Israel. I am Goliath, the Titan of Gath, son of the wolf and commander of the United Philistine army. I have come to challenge you to Zok Tahrak.
Narrator
The Philistine army erupted in shouts and chants. Saul leaned to tavi.
King Saul
What is that word?
Abner
Tavi?
Advisor/Herald
Zog terak is a Philistine ritual of combat. It means duel of blood.
Narrator
Saul gulped, then looked out at Goliath. He could see a wide smile curl over the beast's mouth.
Goliath
Come now. Why waste any more good men in battle? Am I not a Philistine? Are you not the king of Israel? Come now. Choose a xenothor, a champion. Let him face me. If he slays me, the Philistines will be your Gruzans. But if I strike him down, Then you will bow before us as our Gru thons, and your people will be our slaves until the end. End of days.
Narrator
Tavi was trembling, as were the rest of the men behind Saul.
Advisor/Herald
My king, Gruthons are the Philistine blood slaves. Men taken by bloodshed, for bloodshed. He's talking about war slaves, My lord, In this challenge, those who lose become no more than spearheads and arrows for others to use.
Narrator
Silence fell over the Israelite ranks. Saul's throat tightened. His heart pounded against his ribs. He had always stood a head above other men, the tallest in Israel. He had fought battles and cut down warriors. But this, this was no man. This monster was something out of legend, a specter of death given flesh and steel. Goliath's voice rumbled again.
Goliath
What's the matter, Saul? No man among your ranks willing to fight? Then come yourself. Show your people you're not a coward.
Narrator
Saul clenched his jaw. Abner turned to his king, sensing the terror dripping from his pores.
Abner
There isn't a man in Israel who could even lift that beast's shield, let alone face him in single combat. What do we do?
Narrator
Saul was silent. He rolled his knife and retreated to his tent. The Philistines laughed.
Goliath
I'll be here tomorrow and the next day. And the next day. Choose a Xan uthor to fight me. But be warned, Sol, my offer won't last forever.
Narrator
For 40 days, the philistine giant descended into the valley. For 40 days he issued his challenge. And for 40 days Saul remained silent. Israel was paralyzed. They had no champion. David fastened the last of the supplies to his donkey, his fingers moving swiftly, his mind elsewhere. Did you pack the bread?
David
Yes, Father. And the extra wineskins? The bandages? I've packed more. Eliab, Abididab and Shammah will have everything they need.
Narrator
Don't doddle when you get to the encampment.
David
The warriors of Israel have enough on their hands. The last thing they need is to protect a curious child who falls into a ravine. Fall into a ravine, Father? How old do you think I am? I'm not a toddler.
Narrator
I'm a capable Jesse grunted and turned away, not allowing his son to finish. David exhaled through his nose, glancing after him. His father's pride was reserved for his older brothers, the ones who wore armor, who stood in the king's ranks. David was no soldier. He was a courier, a musician, a shepherd. He knew his father would never beam at him the way he did when he spoke of Eliab. But Saul did. Saul had looked on David with favour, even kept him close as his armor bearer. And Jonathan had taken him in as a brother. In the king's court, David had found what his home never gave him, a sense of belonging. He was eager to see Saul and help in any way he could. He took the donkey's reins and set out for SoCo, eager to see how the battle fared. As he approached the Israelite camp, David's heart pounded. But when he reached the crest of the hill, what he saw made him stop in confusion. No battle, just posturing. The armies of Israel and Philistia stood on opposite sides of the valley, hurling insults, banging swords against shields. David frowned. Was this war? His fingers tightened around the donkey's reins. He slipped through the crowd of soldiers, searching for his brothers. His brother approached, his armor loose, his spear dull. Abinadab was next to him. Clearly neither of them had any intention of fighting that day. Shamma grinned, wrapping an arm around David's neck, ruffling his hair. Come to watch, runt? David wriggled free, brushing dirt from his tunic.
David
Shouldn't you be sharpening your spears instead of taunting me?
Narrator
Why? There's no Battle. David's brows furrowed. He turned from them and pushed through the soldiers, ignoring their jeers. He reached the front line and climbed onto a large stone for a better view. The Philistines moved like a living beast, swaying in unison, their chants deep and guttural. They howled and hissed, laughing like hyenas. Then the crowd split down the middle. The ground trembled. Then the titan emerged. David's breath caught in his throat at the sight of him. Goliath. He strode to the canyon's edge, his spear in hand, and slammed its butt into the earth. The crack of rock echoed across the valley. Then came the roar. David felt it in his chest, in his bones. The Philistines cheered.
Goliath
Who among you dogs will fight me? I have waited and still you cowards refuse to send me a Xanathor.
Narrator
He turned his spear towards Saul, as he had for the past 40 days.
Goliath
Where is your God, King Saul? Is he as weak of a God as you are? Power of a king. Is his voice as silent as yours? I spit on your ancestors and your God. Your people are worthless cowards. Perhaps you need to be conquered. After all, it's in your nature to be slaves.
Narrator
David's fists clenched. He turned to his left. There stood Saul, radiant in gold plated armor. His sword's hilt engraved with the words of Hebrew warriors long dead. His chest was broad, his posture unyielding. He looked like a king. But he did nothing. Not a word, not a step forward. David's lips parted in disbelief. The great King Saul, the chosen of Israel, the warrior king. Silent, the Israelite soldiers shifted in place, muttering. No one moved. No one spoke. Then one by one, they turned back to their tents. David slid down the rock, catching Shamma.
David
What's going on here?
Narrator
That giant has mocked us for over a month. He's challenged us to single combat. The king has promised wealth, his daughter's hand and a tax exemption to any man who kills him.
David
And no one has stepped forward.
Narrator
I mean, come on, look at him. You've seen his hands. He could crush a man's skull like a pomegranate. Besides, nobody wants to be the man responsible for. For losing. Causing the entire nation to become enslaved.
David
But he's mocked our God. How could any of you just stand there and let that happen?
Narrator
Shamma was right. Bravery was not enough. Whoever faced Goliath couldn't try to win. He had to know he would win. He scanned the soldiers faces. Their eyes were all hollow, their shoulders slumped. Fear. David's fingers twitched and his knees began to shift. Just then, a rough Hand clamped onto David's shoulder, yanking him backward. It was Eliab, clad in polished armour, but no signs of any actual battle.
King Saul
What are you doing here, David?
David
I should be asking you the same question.
King Saul
Don't act all tough. Where are the sheep if you're here? Did you lead them to die in the wilderness just so you could watch a battle?
Narrator
David's jaw clenched. Eliab shoved him. Go home. David stumbled, but caught himself.
King Saul
I know why you're here, little brother. You just had to see the war, didn't you? You want to watch men die while you sit safely on the hill.
Narrator
David's blood, the insults, the belittling. It had been this way all his life. But today he wasn't in the pasture. Today. He wasn't going to take it. David lunged, shoving Eliab back. His older brother caught him by the arm and threw him to the ground.
King Saul
Stay down, runt.
Narrator
David spat dirt from his mouth and stood again. Eliab raised a finger.
King Saul
You don't belong here.
David
And you do? What have you done? That uncircumcised Philistine mocks our God and you've done nothing.
King Saul
Shut up. Like you'd face him. You're all talk, David. All those stories about slaying lions is all for show, to impress Father. But I have news for you. Nobody is impressed. You were born in iniquity and you'll always be the runt of the litter.
Narrator
David said nothing. But he didn't have to. There was a fire in his eyes that caused Eliab to step back. David nodded to himself, as if he had resolved something in his mind. David turned his back on him. Without another word, he marched towards Saul's tent. Saul paced like a caged animal inside his tent, his fingers twitching, his mind circling the same problem over and over again. Goliath had made fools of them.
King Saul
40 days. 40 damn days. 40 days of mockery, of fear, of waking to the taunts of a beast.
Narrator
Soul was was angry that no one, not even himself, would step forward. He had promised riches, his daughter's hand in marriage, a life free from taxes. And still not a single warrior dared answer the challenge. Abner stood beside him, arms folded. Silent, Saul sank onto his throne, rubbing his temples.
King Saul
The giant has made a mockery of
Goliath
us,
Narrator
and yet there is nothing we
King Saul
can do about it.
Abner
We have run out of time, my king. If we wait any longer, they will march against us in the night. We cannot.
King Saul
I know what they're capable of.
Narrator
Saul snapped, hurling his cup against the wooden beams of the tent. The room fell silent. Saul exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his beard. He lifted a hand apologetically, shaking his head.
King Saul
We are at an impasse. Our men are without hope. They are without something to inspire them to battle.
Narrator
He stared at the fire burning in the center of the tent. He remembered another fire, long ago, when he had sat beside Samuel. His kingdom knew his anointing fresh.
King Saul
We need some sort of spark.
Narrator
Just then, the tent flaps burst open. David strode in. Saul blinked in surprise. Then, relieved, he forced a smile.
King Saul
Ah, young David. You've come at the perfect time. We could all use some music to calm our nerves.
Narrator
David did not touch his lyre. Instead, he bowed to the floor, beating his fist against his chest.
David
My king, let no man's heart lose hope. Because of this giant, I will go and fight the Philistine.
Narrator
For a moment there was only silence. Then the men around Saul chuckled, shaking their heads. Saul stood and took David by the arm, lifting him from the ground. He dusted off the boy's tunic with a wry smile.
King Saul
Surely you are filled with fire, young David. But what sort of king would I be to send a boy against a giant?
Narrator
You.
King Saul
You are young. And that monster has been killing entire clans since he was your age. No. No doubt feasting on their flesh.
Narrator
David stepped back and bowed his head.
David
My king, are you familiar with the role of a shepherd?
King Saul
Of course. My father had flocks of his own. A shepherd leads his sheep, takes them to green pastures and water.
David
That is part of it. But a shepherd's first duty is to protect his flock at all costs.
Narrator
Saul crossed his arms. The room stirred uncomfortably. David's voice did not waver.
David
When a lion came from my land, I ran after it. I did not hesitate when it tried to escape. I climbed the cliffs to retrieve my sheep from its jaws. And when it turned on me, I struck it down with my bare hands. A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Narrator
The men shifted again. David pointed toward the valley, toward the philistine horde. His mouth curled into a slight grin, his eyes gleaming.
David
This philistine is no greater than that lion. He comes into our land, threatens God's flock, bares his teeth and roars. He's defiled the armies of the living God and made a mockery of him. And I will strike him down. Just as I struck down the lion. Not by my own strength, but by the might of the Lord.
Narrator
Saul's breath quickened. It had been a long time since he had felt the fire of the spirit. A long time since he had heard that passion, that unwavering certainty. And now, coming from a boy of all people, it was bursting forth like a mighty tempest. The king stared at David for a long moment. Then Saul smiled.
King Saul
Very well. Go. And the Lord be with you.
Narrator
Gasps echoed through the tent.
Abner
My king, you can't be serious. You've just commissioned a boy no older than 16 to fight the greatest warrior the world had ever seen.
King Saul
I don't see you rising up to fight, Abner. And if the Philistines are going to attack us anyways, why not give ourselves a chance with this boy? Who knows what the Lord may do?
Narrator
Saul's blood was alight with something he had not felt in years.
King Saul
You will need help, of course. The finest armor Israel has to offer. A true warrior's weapon.
Narrator
He turned and took his own armor from its stand. The golden plates, the heavy coat of mail, the helmet of bronze. Carefully, he placed them over David's shoulders. The boy's knees nearly buckled under the weight. Saul smiled at him, fastening the clasps.
King Saul
There, that should do it.
Narrator
David took a step forward, then another. Then he stopped. David was nearly swimming in Saul's armor. It didn't fit. And even if it did fit, it didn't feel right. David was not Saul. The shepherd boy took a few more steps, slow and stiff. Then, without a word, he unbuckled the straps. The armor clattered to the floor. David removed the helmet and placed the sword back in Saul's hands. He bowed his head.
David
My king, here. Your armor is splendid, but have not tested it, and for all its beauty, I fear it's more of a hindrance than a defense.
King Saul
Don't be foolish, boy. You need a real weapon. You need real armor.
David
No, I don't.
Narrator
David gripped his staff. His sling rested at his belt.
David
These will be my weapons. The Lord has done far more, but far less.
Narrator
And with that, the shepherd turned and left the tent. Saul stood frozen, fingers trailing over the golden plates of his armor. For all the wealth, the splendor, the appearance of power, what good had it done? David departed for the banks of the river, eyes ignited with righteous fury. Israel had its champion. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky Music by Andrew Morgan Smith Written by Aaron Salvato Bree, Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more pre.com productions on the pre.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.
Podcast: The Chosen People
Host/Production: Pray.com
Episode: David & Goliath Part I
Date: May 21, 2026
This episode plunges listeners into the heart of the biblical narrative of David and Goliath, setting the stage for one of the Old Testament’s most memorable confrontations. Through immersive storytelling and dramatic voice acting, we explore the despair gripping King Saul and Israel, the taunting brutality of the Philistine giant Goliath, and the emergence of young David—a shepherd, musician, and unlikely hero—who volunteers to champion his people. The episode deftly examines themes of leadership, faith, fear, and righteous defiance, and leaves listeners poised at the moment before battle.
[12:57 – 13:58]
Saul’s fear infects his army; Israelite soldiers are demoralized and mute, with “shoulders slumped, eyes hollow.”
[15:04 – 16:30]
At home, David is depicted as the overlooked son, tasked by his father Jesse to deliver supplies to his older brothers—real soldiers in their father’s eyes.
[17:27 – 20:25]
David arrives at the front, anxious but bewildered that no battle is underway—only a ritual of posturing and insults.
[26:32 – 27:48]
David explains his experience defending sheep from lions and bears, framing Goliath as but another predator threatening God’s flock:
Saul, moved by the boy’s faith, reluctantly consents:
The episode ends with David walking out toward the river, sling and staff in hand, embodying humble but unwavering faith—while Saul and Israel watch, uncertain but faintly hopeful.
The stage is set for the iconic confrontation, amplifying the episode’s themes: outward power vs. inward faith; religious conviction vs. empty ritual; youthful courage vs. grown men’s fear.
Listeners are left with anticipation for the next chapter in this timeless narrative.
This detailed retelling connects the ancient story’s emotional power and spiritual wisdom to contemporary struggles with doubt, fear, leadership, and faith.