On Christmas Day (2025), my son and I went to see the movie, David; produced by Angel Studios. Shortly after, I wrote out my thoughts and shared them with my sisters via iPhone’s notes. Other than that, I largely kept my thoughts to myself.
It’s hard being a stickler for right theology, Biblical accuracy and truth. I find it almost easier to consume wholesome secular content than theologically-flawed Christian media. I don’t know if that’s fair. It’s just easier.
The truth is, my son loved the David movie. And, despite it being long, he wanted to see it again. (And, yes, that does make me happy!) We haven’t rewatched it yet, and I wonder: If we were to rewatch, would the untruths subconsciously embed themselves causing confusion? Or could they easily be rectified through conversation?
That night, during bedtime, I explained some of the inaccuracies to my son and we read the real story from the Bible – including Goliath’s gruesome ending. (We both gave each other a wide-eyed “yikes” at that part.) I also rightfully inserted the Gospel message and pointed it all to Jesus, as one should.
That night, my son was hungry for more Bible stories (from the “adult Bible,” as well as from his usual children’s Bible). He always has so many questions after reading just one passage of Scripture, that it makes conversations both entertaining and deep. Given all this, seeing David was a win for us.
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But God gave me a voice, clarity of thought, deliverance from heretical teachings and a true understanding of deception. He did this to save me and He did this for His glory. Sometimes I feel like a killjoy. Yet – while I do believe that tact and timing matter – I’m learning that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be accurate about the only One who can bring you TRUE joy.
So from my iPhone notes to your eyes…
Here are my thoughts on the 2025 animated film, David.
These are five things I think are important – movie vs. Bible:
1.
[The movie portrayed the Israelite army as weak, confused and disorganized.]
But, according to Scripture: By the time of David’s battle against Goliath, the Israelites had already fought or defeated many other nations. (Their wins were solely due to God going before them, and to their obedience in those moments.) Because of this: God’s powerful reputation and Israel’s reputation as warriors, were already well known. The Bible says that the Israelites were deathly afraid of Goliath, and so their retreating showed a lack of faith for sure. But the movie image of them not knowing one weapon from the other was… interesting (to put it kindly)!
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2.
[In the movie, the Philistines did not retreat after David killed Goliath. Instead, they remained in place, while one of the Philistines uttered something rather mocking. Then, the ground shook and the Israelite army rose up behind David. In the movie, that is what scared the Philistines: the boldness of the Israelites.]
In the Bible, David called on God and killed Goliath; a divine victory. THAT ALONE was what made the Philistine army flee. As the Philistines FLED, the Israelite army pursued them. If David killing Goliath “wasn’t enough to scare the Philistines,” as the movie line suggested, then it lessens God’s role and heightens the Israelite’s role. Throughout the Bible, God always moves first and clears a path, so He always gets the glory. [1 Samuel 17:50-52]
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3.
[In the movie, a young David takes pity on, and frees, the lion that tries to kill his sheep.]
In the Bible, David talks about how he saved the sheep from the lion. When the lion then turned on David, he killed it (and he credits God for rescuing him). It’s important to know that he completely defeated the lion because it shows God’s strength working in him in a divine way. And it shows the depth of David’s faith in God. [1 Samuel 17:33-37]
More importantly, if you’re pointing Scripture to the Gospel, then this story is significant because: David foreshadows Jesus as our defender. We are the sheep and the lion would be the adversary. Symbolically, it’s important to know that he didn’t take pity on the adversary. Symbolically, David didn’t save the sheep AND coddle the enemy. And, as Christians, we have to know that Jesus already defeated satan.
(I’m glad that they didn’t show the lion being killed in the movie, I just wish that they hadn’t shown him being freed. If you’re hanging on to each word of the Bible, you’ll find that no detail is so frivolous that it can just be altered without repercussion to a larger message.)
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4.
[In the movie, David needs an overwhelming amount of assurance from the Israelites. Toward the end, he is captured and strewn up on something with his arms spread as though he’s on a cross. The Israelite community rescues him.]
I know that the Bible covers a lot of how David felt emotionally and it also touches on the people who were around him. I know that David was human. But when it came to him fleeing Saul (or to him, later, leading Israel): Scripture doesn’t mention him needing Israel to rise up and encourage him due to him feeling defeated. He was never held captive or hung on anything. And he always consulted and got his strength from God. I’m saying this because David was chosen to lead, defend and protect Israel – not “work in tandem” with them. Just as we don’t “work in tandem” with Jesus. We submit to Jesus because He is our shepherd. Israel didn’t need to “save” David. God used David to deliver and rule over Israel. [examples: 1 Samuel 22:1-5 && 1 Samuel 30:1-6]
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5.
In the Bible, David never even alludes to not wanting to be King. But in the movie, it’s mentioned repeatedly. I know deep down that this is probably more significant and concerning than I currently realize.
In closing, I’d just like to say: Stay on guard. You never know what means the enemy may use to confuse your theology or to start you on a path of deconstruction. I like many Angel Studios productions and support a lot of their work. Yet, they have some offerings which I despise. If you pay close enough attention, there are certain hints to their alleged Mormon background in this movie. As with anything, know the truth and meditate on it. Then, offer clarity to your kiddos as well as to those who may be newer to the faith.
Lexzie in Christ 