A small band consisting of 313 men (as some commentators...

A small band consisting of 313 men (as some commentators say) crossed the stream without drinking the water, and confronted with the enemy, even among this small group of warriors, who had remained faithful, there were some who appalled and discouraged with fear, by the number of enemy when they met.

They said: ``To-day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.'' But the faithful band among them, were determined to face any odd and danger, for having perfect confidence in God, and the cause for which they were fighting. They made a firm stand and said: ``How often by Allah's permission a small force vanquished a large one, and Allah is with the patient.'' Among these faithful ones was David a shepherd boy in the spring of his youth, who slayed the enemy's commander! VERSE NO.

250 Saul and his troops advanced to meet Goliath the Giant and his hosts, and when the two parties were face to face the believers prayed to God saying: ``Our Lord! Pour out upon us patience, and make our steps firm and help us against the unbelievers.'' They pleaded with God and asked earnestly for patience, firm steps and perseverance and God's help to overcome their enemy. VERSE NO.

251 Of a surety God will never leave such faithful servants of His alone and unaided: ``So they routed them by Allah's permission and David Slew Goliath.'' David was a youth with no arms and armour. He had a pure deep faith in Allah. He was not known even in the Israelite camp. In outward appearance he was a poor shepherd. His shepherd sling was his well tried weapon.

He picked up a couple of pebbles from the ground and used his sling to such an effect that the piece of stone pierced Goliath's forehead and knocked him down! He then rushed [ 277 ] towards the fallen Goliath, and killed him with his own sword. Thus did Allah manifest His Power in slaying such that giant by the hands of a shepherd Lad!

The Glorious Qur?n says that after doing so with Goliath: ``Allah gave David kingdom and wisdom, and taught him whatever he asked or needed.'' Here in these verse, it is not made clear enough, that this David mentioned here is the one who became the king and the prophet of the Israelites, and who was the father of SOLOMON; but the verse does imply that the slayer of Goliath reached the rank and position of an apostle.

Then the verse points at a general law and universal plan of God, who loves all His creatures, and protects them.