When David walked into the Valley of Elah to face Goliath, the Bible tells us that he selected “five smooth stones” from the brook (1 Samuel 17:40).

Have you ever wondered why?

David only needed one. A single stone struck Goliath in the forehead and dropped the giant where he stood. The battle was over before David ever reached for a second stone.

So why five?

Was David expecting to miss? Did he think it might take multiple stones to bring down a giant? Was he simply being cautious? The Bible never tells us.

But Scripture does provide another interesting possibility to consider.

Years later, we learn that Goliath was not the only giant associated with Gath. In 2 Samuel 21 and 1 Chronicles 20, we read of four additional giants who were eventually defeated by David’s mighty men.

1. Ishbi-benob was killed by Abishai. (2 Samuel 21:15-17)

2. Saph was killed by Sibbecai. (2 Samuel 21:18 & 1 Chronicles 20:4)

3. Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, was killed by Elhanan. (2 Samuel 21:19 & 1 Chronicles 20:5)

4. Another giant, a man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, was killed by Jonathan, David’s nephew. (2 Samuel 21:20-21 & 1 Chronicles 20:6)

Together with Goliath, that makes five giants who fell by the hand of David and his servants.

Now, the Bible never says David picked up five stones because there were five giants. But it does make me wonder.

What if Goliath had not walked onto the battlefield alone? What if all five giants had stepped forward that day? What if the shepherd boy had found himself facing not one giant, but five?

David was ready.

Not because he trusted in five stones. Not because he trusted in his sling. David trusted in the Lord. Yet his faith did not prevent him from preparing.

Sometimes we act as though faith and preparation are opposites. As though trusting God means walking into life’s battles empty-handed. David shows us something different. He had complete confidence that God would deliver him, yet he still gathered five stones. He prepared for more than he expected to face.

The lesson is simple. Trust God completely. Depend on Him fully. Believe that victory belongs to the Lord. But don’t use faith as an excuse to neglect preparation.

Study before the test.

Train before the competition.

Save before the emergency.

Learn before the opportunity arrives.

David trusted God with the outcome, but he prepared for whatever might come over the hill. Perhaps we should do the same.