BIBLE FILM GUIDE
Young David
Series · 2023 · 6 min
An animated series about the early adventures of shepherd boy David in Bethlehem before he becomes king of Israel.
What the story covers
According to the series overview, Young David follows a shepherd boy named David in the quiet hills of Bethlehem. Each episode draws meaning from the melodies he plays and the trials he faces in the fields, showing him learning courage, kindness through friendship, and faith in the face of fear. The series frames these early experiences as the humble beginnings of Israel's future king, whose greatest victories began long before any battlefield.
This early-life period is set in the books of 1 Samuel, particularly chapters 16 through 17, where David first appears on the biblical stage. The series centers on David himself, the shepherd who would later be anointed king and face Goliath. Viewers familiar with 1 Samuel will recognise the formative backdrop against which David's later, more famous victories unfold.
Where it is in the Bible
- 1 Samuel 16:7When Samuel comes to Jesse's family to anoint the next king, the LORD warns him not to be impressed by stature or outward appearance, because 'man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.' This verse introduces David as a man chosen for what is inside him — the same inner qualities of faith and courage that the series' overview highlights in young David.
- 1 Samuel 17:47Before fighting Goliath, David declares that 'the battle is Jehovah's,' and that victory does not come from sword or spear. This captures the faith the series' overview says David learns in the fields — trusting God before facing any giant.
How it differs from the Bible
The overview describes David as a young shepherd learning courage, kindness, and faith through everyday trials, but the Bible itself records very few specific stories from David's boyhood in 1 Samuel 16-17. Most of David's early characterisation in scripture comes from brief mentions: he tends sheep, plays the lyre for Saul, and is described as ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. The series therefore fills in what 1 Samuel leaves silent — friendships, melodies, and adventures in the hills — so viewers may notice added scenes and companions that scripture itself does not name.
Viewers can also watch for how the series handles two ideas that are central in 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 16:7, when Samuel is sent to anoint one of Jesse's sons, he is told that God looks on the heart rather than outward appearance — a theme the series' focus on inner courage and faith may echo. And in 1 Samuel 17:47, David tells Goliath that the battle is the LORD's, not won by sword and spear. The overview's framing of victories beginning long before the battlefield invites viewers to compare the show's portrayal of David's character with these two pivotal moments in 1 Samuel.
Discussion questions
- 1
How does the series portray David's inner character compared with 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks on the heart rather than outward appearance?
1 Samuel 16:7 records that the LORD told Samuel not to judge by stature or appearance, because 'man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.' Compare David's words and actions in the series with this standard — what the show chooses to praise in young David, and whether it points to his heart or to his deeds.
- 2
Where do we see the faith the series says David learns in the hills when we read 1 Samuel 17:47?
In 1 Samuel 17:47, David tells Goliath that the battle is the LORD's and is not won by sword or spear. Compare the trials David faces in the series with this declaration — does the show's portrayal of his early faith match the trust David places in God before facing a giant?
- 3
What does 1 Samuel 16-17 actually tell us about David's youth that the series may be expanding on?
1 Samuel 16-17 gives only brief glimpses of David's boyhood: he tends sheep, plays the lyre for Saul, and is described in appearance before being anointed and facing Goliath. Note which episodes in the series seem to come straight from these chapters and which fill in details, companions, or events the text does not record.
Where to watch
Availability is for Canada and changes over time — check the platform before watching. TMDb ↗
After watching, read the passage itself — you will find details no film has time to show.