Into the Valley

Anointed, yet not acclaimed
No crown, no army, no domain.

Called from pastures feeding sheep
Sent by his anxious father
Bearing bread for his brothers
Carrying cheese for their captain
David reaches battle camp
Soldiers running for trenches
Commanders shouting for battle.

Across the valley
The enemy's champion
Bronze armor flashing
Shouts his well-practiced taunt
Insulting Israel
Distressing Saul
Terrifying Israel's army.

"Who is this who defies God's army?"
Such questions kindle a brother's anger
And a king's attention
"I'll go fight him!"
David volunteers
Recounting God's deliverance
Saving sheep from lion and bear.

Casting off the king's own armor
Grabbing staff and sling
David descends into the valley 
Pausing as he crosses the stream
Choosing five smooth stones
Ample ammunition for one
Trusting in the Lord's protection.

Goliath adds insults and curses
To the taunts he hurls
Still David knows and testifies
"The Lord owns this war.
I will strike you down."

The Philistine moves to attack
David moves more quickly
Stone in and out of sling
Soon sinking into the pagan's skull
Seizing sword from Goliath's sheath
David slays the blasphemer and proves
The Lord rescues those who trust in him.