The Children of Israel asked their prophet to appoint them a king to lead them into battle, and God chose Talut. Some objected that he was not among the wealthiest, but their prophet answered, «God has chosen him over you and increased him in knowledge and stature,» and so they accepted him as their leader and set out for battle.

Along the way, Talut wished to test his soldiers, saying, «God will test you with a river — whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it is with me, except for a single handful.» Most of the army drank freely, but a small number held firm and took only a sip from their hands. Talut advanced with this smaller, faithful group, and among them was a young man named Dawud.

When the two armies met, the giant Jalut strode out challenging anyone to face him, and no one dared — until young Dawud stepped forward with his sling and stones, saying with quiet confidence, «How many a small group has overcome a mighty one, by God's permission.» He struck Jalut with a single stone from his sling, and the giant's army was defeated — proof that the patient believers had triumphed by God's help alone.