David and Goliath

Myth or true story? Some think it is just an allegory for the struggle between Israel and Satan but there is archaeological evidence to show that the story has historical backing. An extensive dig in Jerusalem has uncovered evidence of a Philistene civilization that confirms they were at war with the Israelites. A piece of pottery was found with 31 lines of text on it, almost all of it illegible. But the phrase "house of David" was recognized as well as other symbols that had resemblance to the name Goliath. Goliath is said to have been over 9 feet tall in this translation, but other manuscripts (including the Dead sea scrolls) list him as 6 feet 9 inches tall. There was a transcription error in one of the two, as they cannot both be right. And the Dead Sea scrolls are over 100 years older then the Masoretic text which offered the larger estimate of Goliath's size. While a person of over 9 feet tall may be a stretch, someone 6 foot 9 inches, is quite believable. If he was also massive and bulky in appearance as opposed to lean and lanky, he could easily be perceived as a giant. From the analysis of human remains of that era, we know that the average male was 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall. The disparity is roughly the same as for the average man of today compared to Andre the Giant, who was 7 feet 4 inches tall.

And could he really be killed with a stone and sling? The text does not say he was killed with the stone. It was the stone that dropped him to the ground, but David finished him off with the sword.

And how is it that Saul does not know who David is, since he had been his armor-bearer and harpist for some time? This is strange wording for sure..."Abner, who's son is this young man?" This was not an inquiry as to who David was but as to his parentage, and probably his social standing, for Saul had just promised to give his daughter in marriage to the man who defeated the giant. Another suggestion I read was that the order of events may not be chronological here, and that the Goliath incident may actually have been Saul's first introduction to David. Saul made a habit of conscripting mighty warriors into his elite army, and may have immediately tapped David for that purpose. He may also have wanted to keep him close, as he was paranoid about losing his kingdom (rightfully so) and was aware of the impact David had made on the people by slaying the giant. Remember too, that Saul had a "tormenting spirit" that manifested in mental illness, so he may have simply been confused.

Tomorrow's reading: 1 Samuel 20-21:15; Psalm 34