Lexical Summary Golyath: Goliath Original Word: גָּלְיַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Goliath Perhaps from galah; exile; Goljath, a Philistine -- Goliath. see HEBREW galah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom galah Definition a Philistine giant NASB Translation Goliath (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs גָּלְיַת proper name, masculine (conspicuous ? On ending ת compare Dr 1 Samuel 17:4 & Nö in EutNab 73) (גָּלְיָת 1 Chronicles 20:5) Philistine giant slain by David 1 Samuel 17:4,23; 1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Samuel 22:10, but according to 2 Samuel 21:19 slain by Elhanan of Bethlehem (בֵּית הַלַּחְמִי; acc to 1 Chronicles 20:5 Elhanan slew לַחְמִי brother of Goliath). Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Context Goliath of Gath appears as the Philistine champion who embodies the military power, pagan arrogance, and covenant-defying hostility of Israel’s coastal enemy. His formidable stature (“six cubits and a span,” 1 Samuel 17:4) and weaponry (“the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam,” 1 Samuel 17:7) contrast sharply with the unarmed shepherd David, highlighting the conflict between human might and faith in the living God. Biblical Occurrences • 1 Samuel 17:4 – introduction of Goliath in the Valley of Elah Central Narrative (1 Samuel 17) The duel in the Valley of Elah is a covenant showdown rather than a mere military skirmish. Goliath’s defiance peaks in his taunt: “I defy the ranks of Israel this day” (1 Samuel 17:10). David’s reply reveals the theological heart: “You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). David’s victory vindicates the Lord’s supremacy, delivers Israel from fear, and marks David publicly as the anointed leader through whom God will establish His kingdom. The Sword of Goliath (1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Samuel 22:10) After Goliath’s death, his sword is kept in the tabernacle as a tangible reminder of divine deliverance. When David later receives it from Ahimelech, the weapon underscores both God’s past faithfulness and David’s ongoing dependence on that faithfulness, even while he is a fugitive. Later Battles and the Elhanan Question (2 Samuel 21:19; 1 Chronicles 20:5) The apparent discrepancy—2 Samuel recording Elhanan slaying “Goliath the Gittite,” while Chronicles names the slain warrior as Lahmi, Goliath’s brother—finds resolution in the chronicler’s clarification. Conservative scholarship recognizes either a copyist omission of “the brother of” in 2 Samuel or the chronicler’s inspired precision, preserving intact the uniqueness of David’s victory over the original Goliath. Theological Themes 1. God’s honor is paramount; any challenge to His covenant people is a challenge to Him. Typological Insights David prefigures Jesus Christ, who confronts and conquers the ultimate enemy on behalf of His people. Goliath represents sin, death, and satanic opposition—powerful, intimidating, yet destined to fall before God’s chosen King. Archaeological and Cultural Notes Champion warfare, common in the ancient Near East, allowed single combat to decide national conflicts, sparing mass casualties. Goliath’s described height and armaments align with Iron Age Philistine military culture influenced by Aegean technologies. Practical Ministry Applications • Bold, God-honoring leadership can turn fear-paralyzed communities into worshiping armies. Key Lessons for Believers Stand in the name of the Lord when confronted by overwhelming obstacles; trust that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). Forms and Transliterations גָּלְיָ֣ת גָּלְיָ֥ת גָּלְיָ֨ת גָּלְיָת֩ גלית gā·lə·yāṯ gāləyāṯ galYatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 17:4 HEB: מִמַּחֲנ֣וֹת פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים גָּלְיָ֥ת שְׁמ֖וֹ מִגַּ֑ת NAS: named Goliath, from Gath, KJV: named Goliath, of Gath, INT: the armies of the Philistines Goliath named Gath 1 Samuel 17:23 1 Samuel 21:10 1 Samuel 22:10 2 Samuel 21:19 1 Chronicles 20:5 6 Occurrences |
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