IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DAVID

DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH-DID IT REALLY HAPPEN?

Some people wonder if the account about David and Goliath is true history or just myth.  Did such a doubt cross your mind as you read the preceding article? If so, please consider the following three questions>

1. Could a man really be some nine and a half feet (2.9 m) tall?

The Bible says that Goliath's height was six cubits and a span."  (1 Samuel 17:4) The cubit in question was 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) long; the span,. 8.75 inches (22.2 cm)  That adds up  to about nine feet six inches (2.9 m).   Some insist that Goliath could not have been that tall, but consider: In modern times, the tallest man documented was over 8 feet 11 inches  (2.7 m) tall. Is it really impossible that Goliath was six inches (15 m) or so taller?  He was of the tribe of Rephaim, men who were know for their unusual size. An Egyptian document from the 13th century B.C.E. mentions that some fearsome warriors in the region of Canaan were over eight feet  (2.4 m) in height.  So Goliath's height, while unusual, is hardly impossible. 

2. Was David a real person? 

There was a time when scholars tried to relegate King David to the realm of myth, but that has become harder to do.  Archaeologists have found an ancient inscription that mentions "the house of David."  Furthermore, Jesus Christ spoke of David as a real person.  (Matthew 12:3; 22:43-45) Jesus' identity as the Messiah is supported by two detailed genealogies showing that he descended from King David. (Matthew 1:6-16; Luke 3:23-31) Clearly, David was a real  man.  (Note: Duh! of course he was, because God's words in the Bible are true. Jehovah God is perfect in every way and not only does not make mistakes, but does not lie.  

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DAVID - Conclusion of  DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH-DID IT REALLY HAPPEN? - 3. Did the events described in the account unfold in a real place?

From the Watchtower magazine