God strategically chose somebody who wasn’t born in a place of favor but a place of low stature. Manual labor instead of outsourceable labor. Somebody who was tough from their personal experience in the early years of life instead of a brother who had it much easier, with the best jobs, and the least amount of physical challenges. Not a silver spoon but a modest wooden cup.

In verse 13 of I Samuel 17, it says the three eldest and most favored by rank went with the King’s men to fight and David returned to his flock. It also says “but David went and returned from Saul” in verse 15, emphasizing the word returned, which is plausible, David and his brothers had already made the journey from their home in Bethlehem to Saul’s location and subsequently returned home. Based on contemporary estimates, the location on the map from Eshtaol (the location of where they believe the battle between the Israelites and Philistines take place) and Bethlehem is approximately 33.3km to 44.4 km (20.69 mi to 27.58 mi) depending on which modern road taken; however, David walked or rode an animal however the latter is less likely. Additionally, the most direct route is over the mountain ridge pass between the two locations. Not a simple feat. This is also, presumably, the same route David took when bringing supplies to his brothers who were on the front lines of the battle (Langfur, 2019).

If David wasn’t already a seasoned traveler and incredible endurance athlete from his years of shepherding it is unlikely many men, if any, could endure this type of traveling and daily activity.

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