Goliath
The champion of Gath who defied an army — and met a shepherd.
Old Testament · c. 1000 BC · 1 Samuel · Also known as Goliath of Gath, The Philistine champion
About Goliath
Goliath was a Philistine champion from Gath. Clad in bronze armour, he stood in the Valley of Elah for forty days, mocking Israel’s army and challenging any man to single combat. His defeat by a young shepherd became one of the most famous underdog stories ever told.
The traditional Hebrew text gives Goliath’s height as "six cubits and a span" — about 2.9 m (9 ft 9 in). Some ancient manuscripts, including the Greek Septuagint and a Dead Sea Scroll, read "four cubits and a span" — about 2 m (6 ft 9 in). Either way, he towered over ordinary soldiers. Single combat between champions was a known practice in the ancient world: one fight could decide a battle.
The story
A champion from Gath
He came out from the Philistine camp: a helmet of bronze, a coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, a spear whose shaft was like a weaver’s beam. Before him walked a man carrying his shield.
1 Samuel 17:4-7
Forty days of defiance
"I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." Morning and evening, for forty days, he made the same challenge. Saul and all Israel were dismayed and greatly afraid.
1 Samuel 17:8-16
An unexpected opponent
When he finally saw who had come, he disdained him — "but a youth, and ruddy." "Am I a dog," he shouted, "that thou comest to me with staves?" He cursed David by his gods.
1 Samuel 17:41-44
The fall
David ran toward the battle line. One stone from his sling struck Goliath in the forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. David took the giant’s own sword and finished the fight. The Philistines fled.
1 Samuel 17:48-51
Key moments
- Issues the challenge: "Give me a man, that we may fight together." (1 Samuel 17:8-10)
- Forty days of taunts: Morning and evening, no one answers. (1 Samuel 17:16)
- Falls to a sling stone: Struck in the forehead. (1 Samuel 17:49)
Questions about Goliath
In meetBible these answers are given in Goliath’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.
Why did you challenge Israel?
Scripture records my challenge, not my inner reasons: "Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants." The Philistines and Israel were at war, and a duel between champions could decide it. Anything beyond that would be guessing.
How tall were you really?
The traditional Hebrew text says "six cubits and a span" — roughly 2.9 m, or 9 ft 9 in. Some old manuscripts, including the Greek Septuagint and a Dead Sea Scroll, say "four cubits and a span" — about 2 m. Either way, I was far taller than the men facing me.
What did you think when you saw David?
Scripture says I "disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance." I asked, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?" I underestimated him — and the God he came in the name of.
Connected people
Read it yourself
Start with 1 Samuel 17.