David

(1 Sam 17:12–18:7)

2 As the fat is set apart from the offering of well-being,

so David was set apart from the Israelites.

3 He played with lions as though they were young goats,

and with bears as though they were lambs of the flock.

4 In his youth did he not kill a giant,

and take away the people’s disgrace,

when he whirled the stone in the sling

and struck down the boasting Goliath?

5 For he called on the Lord, the Most High,

and he gave strength to his right arm

to strike down a mighty warrior,

and to exalt the powera of his people.

6 So they glorified him for the tens of thousands he conquered,

and praised him for the blessings bestowed by the Lord,

when the glorious diadem was given to him.

7 For he wiped out his enemies on every side,

and annihilated his adversaries the Philistines;

he crushed their powerb to our own day.

8 In all that he did he gave thanks

to the Holy One, the Most High, proclaiming his glory;

he sang praise with all his heart,

and he loved his Maker.

9 He placed singers before the altar,

to make sweet melody with their voices.c

10 He gave beauty to the festivals,

and arranged their times throughout the year,d

while they praised God’se holy name,

and the sanctuary resounded from early morning.

11 The Lord took away his sins,

and exalted his powerf forever;

he gave him a covenant of kingship

and a glorious throne in Israel.