Goliath

Goliath

Goliath: Goliath was a giant warrior from the Philistine army.

The Challenge: David heard Goliath's challenge and was offended by his defiance against the God of Israel.

David volunteered to fight Goliath, even though King Saul and others doubted his ability because of his youth and inexperience.

He confronted Goliath, proclaiming his faith in God's protection.

The Victory: As Goliath moved in for the kill, David used his sling to hurl a stone at Goliath's head, hitting him on the forehead.

Goliath fell face down to the ground, and David then used Goliath's own sword to behead him.

Aftermath: David's triumph over Goliath brought him great fame and marked the beginning of his rise to become the King of Israel.

Giant Stature: Goliath was described as a giant, standing at about six cubits and a span in height, which is often translated to be approximately 9 feet 9 inches (about 2.97 meters) tall.

Intimidating Appearance: Goliath's physical appearance was meant to intimidate.

Greaves and Javelin: Goliath also wore bronze greaves (armored protection for the legs) and had a bronze javelin slung on his back.

Shield Bearer: Goliath went into battle with a shield bearer ahead of him, which was common for elite warriors of that era.

This person would carry a large shield to protect Goliath as he moved.

Defiant and Arrogant: In the biblical narrative, Goliath is portrayed as being defiant and arrogant, especially towards the Israelites and their God, issuing daily challenges for single combat.

Reputation: Goliath's reputation as a fearsome warrior was well-established, which contributed to the fear he instilled in the Israelite army.

It is also important to mention that Goliath wore “scale armor” (שִׁרְי֥וֹן קַשְׂקַשִּׂ֖ים, shiryon qasqasim) (1 Samuel 17:5).

Scale armor ramps up the significance, as it connects Goliath with the serpent himself.

Goliath was the seed of the serpent, and David was of the seed of the woman.

Whether Goliath was the biological offspring of the serpent (through the Nephilim) or merely the spiritual offspring, there is a connection with Genesis 3:15.

David killed Goliath with a stone to the head, and then he cut off Goliath’s head (1 Samuel 17:48-51).

The scale armor may also connect Goliath with the Philistine god Dagon, who was possibly a god of the sea.

Goliath had cursed David “by his gods,” but in the end it was Goliath who was cursed (1 Samuel 17:43).

Like his god Dagon, Goliath fell facedown and his head was cut off (1 Samuel 17:49-51; cf.