“He chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook….” (1 Sam. 17:40).
Why did David put five stones in his pouch when he only needed one to kill the giant?
Some scholars see a symbol of the five-fold ministry in this verse (Eph. 4:11). Others see a picture of the parable of the five wise virgins who had oil in their lamps and were ready for the arrival of the bridegroom (Matt. 25:1-13).
Still others think the five stones represent the five books of Moses which make up the Jewish law. One scholar has suggested that the brook represents the Holy Spirit flowing continuously out of lives in power and wisdom.
Other experts hold that the five stones represent the law of God, or the Word of the Lord. The Word and the Spirit together provide the balance needed for victorious Christian living. Being full of the Word and Spirit of God is all that the believer needs to rid himself of the giants which would invade and conquer his personal Promised Land.
I would like to add another option to the list of possible meanings of the five stones. Some scholars believe that Goliath had four sons whom David ultimately faced and overcame.
If the four sons mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:22 were the sons of Goliath, we can well understand why David chose five stones. His action was in preparation for overcoming the giant and his offspring. Instead of just barely getting by Goliath, David was ready for total and final victory.
God help us to use wisdom and foresight in all our planning. Amen!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.