The words of David were repeated to the king, who summoned the youth before him. Saul listened with astonishment to the words of the shepherd, as he said, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine." Saul strove to turn David from his purpose, but the young man was not to be moved. He replied in a simple, unassuming way, relating his experiences while guarding his father's flocks. And he said, "The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee."

Kongen fik at vide, hvad David havde sagt, og sendte bud efter den unge mand. Saul hørte med forbavselse hyrden sige: "Min herre må ikke tabe modet! Din træl vil gå hen og kæmpe med den filister!" Saul forsøgte at få David til at opgive sit forehavende, men den unge mand var urokkelig. Han gav et ganske jævnt og fordringsløst svar og fortalte de oplevelser, han havde været ude for, da han vogtede sin faders småkvæg. Han tilføjede: "Herren, som har reddet mig fra løvers og bjørnes vold, vil også redde mig fra denne filisters hånd!" Da sagde Saul til David: "Gå! Herren være med dig!"