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Friday, August 15th, 2025
the Week of Proper 14 / Ordinary 19
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Bible Dictionaries
Goliath

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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  • 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 Samuel 17:4 ). He was probably descended from the Rephaim who found refuge among the Philistines after they were dispersed by the Ammonites (Deuteronomy 2:20,21 ). 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 Samuel 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.

  • In 2 Samuel 21:19 there is another giant of the same name mentioned as slain by Elhanan. The staff of his apear "was like a weaver's beam." The Authorized Version interpolates the words "the brother of" from 1 Chronicles 20:5 , where this giant is called Lahmi.

    Bibliography Information
    Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Goliath'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​g/goliath.html. 1897.
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