Goliath was a giant Philistine from Gath, the son of Rapha, who was killed by David before he became king of Israel.
About Goliath
Goliath was a Philistine warrior from the city of Gath who lived in the eleventh century BC. He challenged the Israelite army to battle (1 Samuel 17). The young David later defeated him by knocking him down with a stone from his sling and then cutting off his head.
Goliath was over 2.7 meters (nine feet) tall. He wore armor that weighed about 56.8 kilograms (125 pounds). He carried a spear that weighed 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds). After Goliath's death, his sword was kept at Nob and was later given to David (1 Samuel 21:9; 22:10).
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Rapha
- Half-siblings 4
- Ishbi-benob, Saph, Lahmi, Huge Man
Key References
Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,
As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.
Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.
All Scripture References (6)
1 Samuel (4)
Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,
And as he was speaking with them, suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the ranks of the Philistines and shouted his usual words, which David also heard.
That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
2 Samuel (1)
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
1 Chronicles (1)
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.