Notable Sources
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The Giant GoliathTANAKH
The Giant Goliath
TANAKH
Goliath's imposing stature and armament made him a formidable challenge to the Israelites. The biblical narrative in Samuel I provides a detailed description of Goliath's physical attributes and weaponry, setting the stage for his dramatic confrontation with David.
Who Really Killed Goliath?COMMENTARY
Who Really Killed Goliath?
COMMENTARY
The accounts of who killed Goliath and his brother are complex and somewhat contradictory. Radak, a medieval Jewish scholar, reconciles these differences in his commentary on I Chronicles and II Samuel.
David's Cunning EscapeLITURGY
David's Cunning Escape
LITURGY
David's cleverness and survival skills are highlighted through his strategy of pretending to be an imbecile to escape death among the Philistines. This psalm, part of the Shabbat morning prayers, recounts an event from King David's life, emphasizing divine protection and deliverance.
From Chaos to KingshipCOMMENTARY
From Chaos to Kingship
COMMENTARY
The contrast between Goliath's self-absorbed behavior and David's focus on God highlights the moral and spiritual differences between them. Rabbi Chaim Jachter’s contemporary commentary on the book of Ruth draws parallels between the characters of Goliath and Orpah, and David and Ruth.
Inclusivity in Saul's RewardTALMUD
Inclusivity in Saul's Reward
TALMUD
Saul's offer to reward the man who defeats the giant with his daughter's hand in marriage could extend even to individuals of lower social status. The talmudic discussion in tractate Ta'anit explores the inclusivity of Saul's offer and its implications for understanding divine intervention.
The Erasure of GoliathTARGUM
The Erasure of Goliath
TARGUM
The story of David and Goliath is not just about a young shepherd defeating a giant, but about divine intervention and the erasure of the Philistines' legacy. The Aramaic Targum to Psalms offers an ancient translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's role in Jewish history.
The Stature of GoliathCOMMENTARY
The Stature of Goliath
COMMENTARY
Goliath's extraordinary height and size make him a formidable and memorable figure in the biblical narrative. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides detailed measurements and descriptions of Goliath's physical stature.
Elhanan and GoliathTANAKH
Elhanan and Goliath
TANAKH
The identity of Goliath's killer is more complex than commonly thought. In the book of Samuel II, it is Elhanan, son of Jaare-oregim, who is credited with killing Goliath the Gittite.
Goliath's Challenge to Divine WorshipMIDRASH
Goliath's Challenge to Divine Worship
MIDRASH
Goliath was impious and attempted to hinder the Israelites' divine worship, particularly by challenging the God of Israel and appearing during the recitation of the Shema. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century compilation, Legends of the Jews, offers a rich narrative that expands on the biblical story of Goliath, emphasizing his defiance against the God of Israel.
Faith Versus MightJEWISH THOUGHT
Faith Versus Might
JEWISH THOUGHT
This text highlights the divine strategy in history, where spiritual resilience ultimately triumphs over physical might. Eliezer Berkovits delves into the biblical narrative to emphasize the enduring power of faith and divine support against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Divine Support vs. Human StrengthTALMUD
Divine Support vs. Human Strength
TALMUD
The Israelites' spiritual and divine support from God contrasts with the physical might of their enemies, highlighting the ultimate failure of human strength. The Jerusalem Talmud emphasizes the belief in divine intervention over physical might, particularly in the context of battles.
The Terror of GoliathSECOND TEMPLE
The Terror of Goliath
SECOND TEMPLE
Josephus provides a vivid and detailed description of Goliath, capturing both his physical might and the psychological terror he inflicted on the Israelite army. In his first-century historical work, Josephus recounts the biblical story of David and Goliath, emphasizing the giant's imposing stature and the fear he instilled over forty days.
God's Protection in BattleCOMMENTARY
God's Protection in Battle
COMMENTARY
God's protection and deliverance are vividly illustrated through David's triumph over Goliath. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a 16th-century Yiddish commentary, provides accessible explanations and stories, drawing from Midrash and other sources.
The Confrontation BeginsCOMMENTARY
The Confrontation Begins
COMMENTARY
The moment the giant begins to move towards the young shepherd marks the start of an intense and personal confrontation. This verse sets the stage for the famous battle, showcasing the young shepherd's faith and bravery, which ultimately leads to his future role as King of Israel.
The Battle in the Elah ValleyCOMMENTARY
The Battle in the Elah Valley
COMMENTARY
The geographical and historical context of the Elah Valley provides a vivid backdrop to the iconic battle described in I Samuel. This modern analysis delves into the specific locations where the Philistines and Israelites assembled, as described in I Samuel 17:1–3.
Clarifying the Goliath NarrativeMIDRASH
Clarifying the Goliath Narrative
MIDRASH
The biblical texts appear to contradict each other regarding the defeat of Goliath. The early 20th-century Midrash clarifies that David defeated Goliath while Elhanan defeated Goliath's brother, drawing on interpretations from Targum Jonathan.
