Illustration created for this project.
Goliath
The Philistine giant of Gath, over nine feet tall, killed by the young David with a sling and a stone.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Archaeology — physical evidence · 1
Origin & birthplace
BibleThe Philistine champion of Gath, of enormous height, felled by David with a sling.
1 Samuel 17:4, 49
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Gath
Life, role & deeds
Ori~ — Attribution (via Wikimedia Commons)
ArchaeologyExcavations at Gath (Tell es-Safi) have uncovered a 10th-century BC potsherd inscribed with two names etymologically close to 'Goliath' — Philistine names of just that kind, at just that place.
Tell es-Safi/Gath ostracon (the 'Goliath inscription,' bearing the Philistine names ʾLWT and WLT), early Iron Age IIA; Aren M. Maeir excavations. Published: Maeir, Wimmer, Zukerman & Demsky, 'A Late Iron Age I/Early Iron Age II Old Canaanite Inscription from Tell es-Sâfi/Gath, Israel', BASOR 351 (2008).
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Gath
Where in scripture
1 Samuel2 Samuel1 ChroniclesFamily
In their own words — 2 recorded sayings
“He took up his position and in a loud voice said to the armies of Israel, Why have you come out to make war? Am I not a Philistine and you servants of Saul? Send out a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to have a fight with me and overcome me, then we will be your servants: but if I am able to overcome him, then you will be our servants and do work for us. And the Philistine said, I have put to shame the armies of Israel this day; give me a man so that we may have a fight together.” — 1 Samuel 17:8-10
“And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come out to me with sticks? And the Philistine put curses on David by all his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come here to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.” — 1 Samuel 17:43-44
Speaker attribution: Clear Bible MACULA (CC BY 4.0). Wording: Bible in Basic English (public domain).
In art
