In brief
Goliath is a Philistine warrior from Gath, of impressive size, who defies the army of Israel for forty days. King Saul and his soldiers are paralyzed by fear. The young shepherd David, who has come to bring supplies to his brothers, accepts the fight. He refuses Saul's armor and goes against the giant in the name of the Lord of hosts. One stone from his sling is enough to bring him down.
What does the name Goliath mean?
The origin of his name is uncertain and the Bible gives no explanation of it. We know Goliath mostly by his role: the Philistine champion of Gath, whose challenge holds the whole army of Israel in its grip.
The story of Goliath
The giant's challenge
1 Samuel 17:1-11The Philistines and Israel face each other in the valley of Elah. A Philistine champion from Gath, named Goliath, six cubits and a span tall, steps forward every day. He issues a challenge: let Israel choose one man for single combat. Saul and all Israel are dismayed and seized with fear.
David arrives at the camp
1 Samuel 17:12-30David, son of Jesse, keeps his father's sheep in Bethlehem. Sent by Jesse, he brings provisions to his brothers in the camp. He hears Goliath shout his challenge and asks what will be done for the man who kills him. His oldest brother Eliab becomes angry with him.
A shepherd's courage
1 Samuel 17:31-40David presents himself before Saul and declares that no one should lose heart because of the Philistine. He recalls that he has already killed a lion and a bear while guarding the flocks. Saul offers him his armor, but David refuses. He takes his staff, his sling and five smooth stones.
In the name of the Lord
1 Samuel 17:41-47Goliath despises David and threatens him. David answers that he comes in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. He announces that all the earth will know there is a God in Israel and that victory does not depend on sword or spear: the battle belongs to the Lord.
The victory and Goliath's sword
1 Samuel 17:48-51 ; 21:9David runs toward Goliath, slings a stone and strikes him on the forehead. The giant falls face down on the ground. David takes the Philistine's sword and cuts off his head, which sends the Philistines fleeing. Later, at Nob, Goliath's sword is kept behind the ephod, and David receives it.
What Goliath teaches us
- Facing a giant, the real question is who God is, not who we are.
- God does not need the armor of others: he uses what we have already received, like David's sling.
- Courage comes from experience lived with God in secret, as David did facing the lion and the bear.
- We can face our battles in the name of the Lord, because the battle is his.
- Fear paralyzes a whole people, but one heart that trusts God can change the situation.
Key verses
David declares that he comes against Goliath in the name of the Lord of hosts. Facing the giant's sword, spear and javelin, he places his trust in God and not in weapons.
David announces that the Lord saves neither with sword nor with spear, for the battle is his. This word reminds us that victory comes from God and not from our strength.
David triumphs over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, without a sword in his hand. The account stresses that God can defeat a powerful enemy by the simplest means.
Sermons about Goliath
Frequently asked questions
Who was Goliath in the Bible?
Goliath is a Philistine warrior from Gath, six cubits and a span tall. For forty days, he defies the army of Israel. He is finally defeated by David, who strikes him with a stone from his sling in the name of the Lord.
What does the name Goliath mean?
The origin of the name Goliath is uncertain and the Bible offers no explanation. The account stresses instead his role as Philistine champion and the contrast with David, a young shepherd without armor who relies on God.
Where can I find the story of Goliath in the Bible?
The main account is in 1 Samuel 17, which tells of the challenge and David's victory. Goliath's sword appears again in 1 Samuel 21, when David receives it at Nob from the hands of the priest.