David and Goliath

Written by:  Blake Randolph

Join young David, his father Jesse, King Saul, and more biblical characters in this 20–25 minute drama retelling the story of David and Goliath. The script begins shortly after the prophet Samuel anoints David as the future king of Israel and explores how David and his family may have felt during this significant time. As David hears of the giant Goliath terrorizing Israel’s army, he steps onto the battlefield with the Lord as his guide, showing the audience how God can use someone like them—just as He used David—when we put our faith and trust in Him.

• Biblically Faithful: Rooted in 1 Samuel 16–17 with artistic but respectful dramatization.
• Teaches Trust in God: Emphasizes trusting God in the face of impossible odds.
• Encourages Identity in Christ: Helps viewers reflect on how God can use them, despite how others see them.
• Ends with a Gospel-Oriented Reflection: Encourages reliance on God for overcoming life’s “giants.”

Run-Time:

25–30 minutes

• This estimate includes transitions, dramatic pauses, and key monologues (like David’s prayer and the showdown with Goliath).
• If performed with limited movement and no scene changes, it could run closer to 20–25 minutes.

Cast Number:  (Minimum: 10)

1. David – central character
2. Jesse – David’s father
3. Nitzevet – David’s mother
4. Eliab – David’s older brother
5. Abinadab – another older brother
6. Saul – King of Israel
7. Abner – Commander of Saul’s army
8. Goliath – The Philistine giant
9. Narrator – Guides the story
10. Samuel – (Referenced but not speaking; optional non-speaking cameo if desired

Optional / Ensemble Roles (for larger groups)

• Additional brothers (David had more than two, though only two are scripted)
• Israelite soldiers
• Philistine soldiers
• Villagers (during battlefield and celebration scenes)

Download: Sample Script

Sample Script

DAVID
(singing, peacefully)
I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously;
He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.

ELIAB (groaning as he enters)
What is that awful noise?! I can't tell if it's singing or if one of “King David’s” sheep subjects is hurt!

ABINADAB (pointing and laughing)
Look, brother! The little songbird is at it again!

ELIAB
Does that kid ever stop?! David, what are you howling about this time?!

DAVID (defensive but composed)
I am singing Moses’ song. All of Israel sang it when they crossed—

ABINADAB (interrupting)
The Red Sea!

ELIAB & ABINADAB
WE KNOW!

ELIAB
We’ve heard that story a million times. And do you think YOU are a leader like Moses?! Moses’s staff was bigger than you!

DAVID
I was hoping I’d be alone.

ABINADAB (mocking)
Oooh, sorry! Didn’t mean to disturb the KING OF ISRAEL!

ELIAB (bowing mockingly)
We apologize, oh royal one!

ELIAB & ABINADAB (laugh hysterically)

DAVID
Please, brothers… just leave me alone.

ABINADAB
Watch how you speak to us! We fight alongside the REAL ruler of Israel—King Saul. You’re just a filthy shepherd.

ELIAB
Samuel is wrong about you. You’ll only ever rule over dirty sheep.

(Eliab shoves David. David stumbles, tense and hurt. Just then, JESSE enters.)

JESSE
Boys! Now is not the time for roughhousing! David—back to the sheep. Eliab, Abinadab—why are you even out here? You’re supposed to be packing. The Philistines are headed this way!

ELIAB & ABINADAB (burst out laughing)
Oh please, Father! We don’t need to pack much. I could kill 100 Philistines easily!

ELIAB
Of course, brother! All they have to do is look at that face of yours and they’ll drop dead!

ABINADAB
Excuse me?! I could write a whole book about your horrid appearance!

(Eliab grabs Abinadab’s collar. They scuffle and exit. Jesse turns to David, who sits tense and quiet.)

JESSE
Um… So… How are your sheep treating you today, son?

DAVID (disinterested)
They’re fine.

JESSE
Wonderful… Well… I guess I’ll leave you to it.

(He begins to walk away but pauses as David speaks.)

DAVID
Father? Can I ask you something?

JESSE
Anything, my son.

DAVID
When Samuel came, you let all my brothers pass in front of him… and you didn’t even tell him I existed. Why?

JESSE (caught off guard)
Well, David… you were out here with the sheep and I didn’t want to disturb you. Besides, your brothers are soldiers. You’re a shepherd. I didn’t think that—

DAVID
—that I mattered?

JESSE
I didn’t say that, son. Don’t put words in my mouth.

DAVID
Are you ashamed of me, Father? Ever since Samuel came to me, I’ve felt closer to the Lord than ever before! I feel like He’s calling me for something more than... this! (gestures to the field)

JESSE
Son… maybe Samuel meant you’ll be a spiritual king, not the literal ruler of Israel. You’re small in stature. You haven’t had military training...

DAVID
When a lion or a bear attacks my sheep, I take it down!

JESSE
David, this world is more vicious than lions and bears. I’m glad you’re close to God, but that doesn’t mean—

DAVID
You don’t believe in me. None of you do.

JESSE (defeated)
Dinner’s almost ready. You should come home.

DAVID
I’m not hungry.

Download: Sample Script

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