Goliath

AI summary: Goliath matters because the cross references present him as the public embodiment of Philistine intimidation and human military confidence. His challenge reduces Saul's army to fear, while David meets him with explicit trust in the name of the Lord rather than armor or size. Later references keep his memory alive as a trophy of God's deliverance. Taken together, the material presents Goliath as the defeated giant whose fall dramatizes the triumph of covenant faith over visible power.¹

A famous giant of Gath, who for forty days openly defied the armies of Israel, but was at length slain by David with a stone from a sling (1 Sam. 17:4). He was probably descended from the Rephaim who found refuge among the Philistines after they were dispersed by the Ammonites (Deut. 2:20, 21). His height was “six cubits and a span,” which, taking the cubit at 21 inches, is equal to 10 1/2 feet. David cut off his head (1 Sam. 17:51) and brought it to Jerusalem, while he hung the armour which he took from him in his tent. His sword was preserved at Nob as a religious trophy (21:9). David’s victory over Goliath was the turning point in his life. He came into public notice now as the deliverer of Israel and the chief among Saul’s men of war (18:5), and the devoted friend of Jonathan. ³