The answer is: 5

1 Sam 17:40

When David faced the giant Goliath, he selected five smooth stones from a nearby brook to prepare for battle. Now, you might wonder why David took five. Was he afraid he wouldn’t win with just one? Well, he had a calculated approach; ancient Jewish texts suggest he believed that Goliath had four brothers! So, if things took a twist and more than just Goliath came out swinging, David was ready.

There’s more to the story. David wasn’t a traditional warrior; he was a shepherd boy who had defended his flock from lions and bears. It paints a picture of how courage and faith can show up in the least expected people, demonstrating the idea that true strength comes from within. Instead of heavy armor and fancy weapons, David relied on the simplicity of his daily life—a sling and a few stones that he carefully selected.

Did you know that the name “Goliath” itself translates to “exile" or “foreigner” in Hebrew? This detail adds intrigue, highlighting his status as an outsider—a significant point when you think about the larger theme of the oppressed taking a stand against tyranny.

And the images don’t stop with just one battle; the motif of unconventional heroes showing faith rings throughout many biblical tales. David's victory over Goliath reminds us that sometimes, a little courage and cleverness pack a bigger punch than size or strength.