Samuel 17: 1 49 – David & Goliath Target year level: PrepScripture text1 Samuel 17:1-49Ask this is a lengthy passage, please see the text at: The Story of David and GoliathWorld behind the textAuthorsThere is more than one author and further editing by members of the same School (Deuteronomists)The authoring happened during the Babylonian exile in the sixth century BCEIt is the work of a community and it is not possible to establish authorship as we understand it, because it used ancient court records and hero storiesThere is evidence of oral tradition extending back to the time of DavidContexts The text originated in Judah in the 2nd half of the seventh century BCEAt the time there was tension between the need for a king and the people’s reliance on GodThis period of Israelite history is filled with mighty struggles and colourful personalities including a king who gradually loses his sanity and the shining hero who replaces himThere was an ongoing debate: on one side the needed laws to protect workers and poor people; and on the other side, there were those who wanted fewer laws and less governmentIt portrays the seriousness of Israel’s plight and Saul’s reign is ended.World of the textSome key words and phrases:“Go, and may the LORD be with you!” (v. 37)“I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” (v. 39)“Why have you come down? With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?” (v. 28)Text type:This is a folklore text (narrative) where we can relate the meaning of the text to our everyday livingWorld in front of the textThis story of the triumph of the young and innocent David, over the much more powerful Goliath is attractive to children and adults alike. There are many children’s picture books which tell this story.