Topical Bible: Philistines: Their Champion, Goliath, Killed by David

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The Philistines were a significant group of people in the ancient Near East, often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. Originating from the region of Caphtor, which is often associated with Crete or the Aegean islands, the Philistines settled along the coastal plains of Canaan. They established five major city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. These cities formed a pentapolis, a confederation that played a crucial role in the political and military landscape of the region.

The Philistines are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy of Israel. They were known for their advanced iron technology and formidable military prowess, which posed a significant threat to the Israelites. The Philistines worshiped deities such as Dagon, Ashtoreth, and Baal-Zebub, and their culture was distinct from that of the Israelites.

One of the most famous encounters between the Philistines and the Israelites is the account of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath, a giant warrior from Gath, was the champion of the Philistines. Described as being over nine feet tall, Goliath's armor and weaponry were impressive, instilling fear in the Israelite army. The biblical account provides a detailed description of his gear: "He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels" (1 Samuel 17:5).

For forty days, Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him in single combat, a common practice in ancient warfare intended to decide the outcome of a battle without mass bloodshed. The Israelites, including King Saul, were terrified and dismayed by Goliath's challenge. It was during this time that David, a young shepherd from Bethlehem, arrived at the battlefield to deliver supplies to his brothers who were serving in Saul's army.

David, filled with faith in the God of Israel, volunteered to fight Goliath. Despite his youth and inexperience in battle, David was confident that the Lord would deliver him from the hand of the Philistine. Rejecting Saul's offer of armor, David chose instead to face Goliath with his sling and five smooth stones from a brook. As Goliath approached, David declared, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45).

In a dramatic and divinely orchestrated victory, David struck Goliath on the forehead with a stone from his sling, causing the giant to fall face down to the ground. David then used Goliath's own sword to kill him and cut off his head, securing a decisive victory for the Israelites. This event not only demonstrated the power of faith and God's deliverance but also marked the beginning of David's rise to prominence in Israel.

The defeat of Goliath had significant implications for the Philistines and the Israelites. It demoralized the Philistine army, leading to their retreat and subsequent defeat by the Israelites. For the Israelites, it was a powerful testament to the Lord's sovereignty and a pivotal moment in the establishment of David's future kingship. The account of David and Goliath continues to be a symbol of courage and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongs to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David the Shepherd Youth.
... stood upon the body of the giant, and having no weapon except his sling, cut off
Goliath's head with ... When the Philistines saw that their champion had fallen ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

David's victory Over the Giant
... Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war, and camped between Socoh and ... Then
there came out from the ranks of the Philistines a champion named Goliath ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... cut off his head with the giant's great sword, and when the Philistines saw that
their champion was really ... [Illustration: David cutting off Goliath's head]. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

The Story of David
... fierce Philistines had come up with their great armies ... was Goliath, the great champion
of the Philistines. ... thought of offering himself to fight the champion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Exile Continued.
... the glen where he had killed its champion was close ... of terror that they must awake
their Master, but ... against southern Bedouins and western Philistines for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... it turned out: they dismissed their unfortunate champion, and on ... positions favourable
for the operations of their chariots, the Philistines had nothing ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm