Goliath is well known as a Philistine warrior of gigantic proportions who fought David in the Biblical Book of Samuel. The phrase “David and Goliath” refers to an underdog situation, wherein a smaller and weaker fighter opposes a larger and stronger adversary. The weaker contestant is represented as David, also being the more sympathetic character.
Presumably, Goliath loomed large in the original battle, offering to take on all representatives of his enemy’s army. Wielding a spear and sword, with great strength and a long reach, he slayed multiple men easily.
David, a shepherd boy, was skilled at defending his sheep from wolf attacks. When the predator approached the lamb, David, from a safe distance, slew a stone at the animal, often killing it. Being very proficient with the slingshot, the boy successfully preventing attacks upon his flock. It was necessary because these animals were the source of David’s livelihood. The same is true for many young men who tended sheep in those days.
Out of necessity, David practiced long hours with the weapon until he could have almost perfect aim, distance, power, and lethality. He never attempted to wrestle the wolf; that would have been disastrous for the boy.
Goliath was a close-in fighter. He probably never felt the need to throw his spear. He just waited until his adversary approached and finished the job. Presumably, he may have been a fast runner, long legged and strong winded. After, all he was taking on all comers. If he was easily short of breath, he would have faltered.
David never got in close to sling a stone. He wisely kept his distance, never allowing an animal predator (or a giant) to be able to take advantage of greater size and power.
Literally, when he faced David, Goliath brought a knife to a gunfight. He never had a chance. Surely David could get off 3 or even 4 stones before the big warrior could pounce on him. Because of his constant practicing and developed skill set, he only needed a single rock to put down the giant.
Readers of the Biblical text, Samuel, may point out that David did not kill Goliath. One problem is that “Elhanan and Goliath” does not roll off the tongue as readily as “David and Goliath.” Besides, it’s a parable about the small and weak standing up to the large and strong.
But is it? In the generally accepted account, David had all the advantage. He knew more about a one-to-one fight than Goliath did. David just had great confidence and refused to be intimidated. Goliath was a bully. Bullies can be defeated by a creative mind.
It is a good feeling to see the underdog win. Such stories enhance everybody’s self-esteem. Knowing the possibilities in life has driven many a success story when the prospects may have seemed bleak.
We love seeing the roadrunner rout Wile E. Coyote. Many feel internal satisfaction when the big corporation loses the lawsuit to the beginning entrepreneur. And so on.
But “David and Goliath” is really about courage, drive, and self-confidence. We should pursue our dreams. Think for ourselves. Don’t let the mob determine what we can or cannot spire to accomplish.
Health and Spirit by Dr. Jack Zoldan 