What is the Real Story of David and Goliath? (1 Samuel 17)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

What is the real story of David and Goliath?

1 Samuel 17 tells of David, a young shepherd, defeating Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, with just a sling and a stone. This victory, driven by David's faith in God, showcases the triumph of faith and courage over seemingly insurmountable odds. Various authors and commentators have taken different approaches. Some see this as a tale of personal inspiration telling the average person that “they too can slay their giants.” Others, like Malcolm Gladwell, see this as an example of how underdogs are more powerful than we think and that often perceived disadvantages can, in fact, turn out to be advantages, leading to unexpected success.

However, both these approaches fail to consider the metanarrative of Scripture, so let’s take a moment to see how this story fits. The scene of David versus Goliath takes place in the Valley of Elah, where the Israelite and Philistine armies are encamped on opposite hills, ready for battle. The scene takes place in the Judaean foothills of Israel, between the cities of Azekah and Socoh. As Robert Bergen writes, “Separating the two camps geographically was a wadi, a usually dry river bed. Separating the Israelites from the Philistines psychologically, as the following verses indicate, was a chasm of fear.”^[1]

Forty days into this standoff, resources were likely waning, and morale was low. Goliath, possibly of Hittite or Lydian descent, was a champion or “man between the two.” As Bergen writes, “This phrase, used only here in the Old Testament, apparently refers to an individual who fought to the death in representative combat with an opponent from a foreign army.”^[2] His precise height is unknown, but some interpret six cubits and a span as nine feet and nine inches. “This passage presents the longest description of military attire in the Old Testament. Goliath’s physical stature, armor, weaponry, and shield bearer must have made him appear invincible.”^[3]

But despite Goliath’s overwhelming size and fearsome nature, we should keep in mind 1 Samuel 16:7, which warns us not to focus too much on appearance or stature because God sees the heart. David’s “sling “consisted of two long cords with a pocket in the center. The slinger placed a stone in the pocket, grasped the ends of the cords, whirled the stone, and shot by releasing one of the cords.”[4] “Thus propelled, a sling stone could easily reach a speed upwards of seventy miles per hour.”^[5]

In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell suggests that Goliath may have had a condition known as acromegaly, a disorder that results from excess growth hormone and can lead to gigantism. One of the side effects of acromegaly is impaired vision. Gladwell speculates that this condition could explain why Goliath moved slowly and needed guidance onto the battlefield, indicating that he might not have seen David clearly.[6]

Whether this was the case, we can’t be sure. But what we can know is the story of David and Goliath ties into the Bible’s metanarrative of redemption by illustrating the victory of God's chosen people through faith in God’s power over seemingly insurmountable odds. The victory over Goliath was less a testament to David’s courage as it was a demonstration of Yahweh’s power. By positioning this narrative so close to King Saul’s failures, the author of 1 Samuel gives us a powerful contrast.

King Saul operated in his own strength, but David relied on God.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | I praise you for your might and wisdom, which surpass all understanding. Just as David trusted in your strength to defeat Goliath, I acknowledge your power at work in my own life. You equip the faithful with courage and turn seemingly insurmountable challenges into victories for your glory.

Release | I release my fears and doubts to you, knowing that, like David, I am not alone in facing the giants in my life. I surrender my battles, believing that what seems impossible to me is possible with your guidance and strength.