Lyrics
Only a boy named David, only a little sling,
only a boy named David, but he could pray and sing.
Only a boy named David, only a rippling brook,
only a boy named David, but five little stones he took.
And one little stone went in the sling,
and the sling went round and round.
And one little stone went in the sling,
and the sling went round and round,
and round and round and round and round,
and round and round and round.
And one little stone went up in the air,
and the giant came tumbling down.
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Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Arthur Arnott
It is easy to feel small or under-equipped when facing the giants of life. Yet this beloved song reminds us that God delights in using humble, simple things to display His mighty power. Young David brought only a sling, five smooth stones, and a heart full of prayer and praise to the battlefield. Today, as you surrender your small gifts and ordinary moments to the Lord, trust that He can use them to bring about extraordinary victories in His name.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- 1 Samuel 17:40: “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
- 1 Samuel 17:49: “Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”