Dictionary Summary: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](/1sam#1Sam.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](/deut#Deut.2.20), [21](/deut#Deut.2.21)). 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](/1sam#1Sam.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. ²