When war was declared by Israel against the Philistines, three of the sons of Jesse joined the army under Saul; but David 645 remained at home. After a time, however, he went to visit the camp of Saul. By his father's direction he was to carry a message and a gift to his elder brothers and to learn if they were still in safety and health. But, unknown to Jesse, the youthful shepherd had been entrusted with a higher mission. The armies of Israel were in peril, and David had been directed by an angel to save his people.

Da Israel erklærede filisterne krig, meldte tre af Isajs sønner sig til Sauls hær, mens David blev hjemme. Nogen tid efter besøgte han Sauls lejr. Hans fader havde bedt ham overbringe sine ældre brødre et budskab og en gave samt spørge, om de stadig var sunde og raske. Hvad Isaj ikke vidste, var, at den unge hyrde havde fået en vigtigere opgave betroet. Israels hære var i fare, og en engel havde befalet David at frelse sit folk.