Among the mercenaries Saul had recruited was David; it was his policy: ‘When Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.’163 But the Bible text, as it stands, confuses two distinct layers of David’s military career. He was originally a shepherd, descended from the humble and enchanting Ruth the Moabitess. When first picked to serve, he knew nothing of arms. He girded on sword and armour ‘and tried in vain to go for he was not used to them’.164 He used a more primitive weapon, the sling, to achieve his first great exploit, the killing of the Philistine strongman, Goliath.
