David Versus Goliath—Did It Really Happen?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no5-2016-september/david-versus-goliath-real/
1 | Could a man really be some nine and a half feet (2.9 m) tall? 1 | Could a man really be some nine and a half feet (2.9 m) tall? The Bible says that Goliath’s “height was six cubits and a span.” () The cubit in question was 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) long; the span, 8.75 inches (22.2 cm). That adds up to about nine feet six inches (2.9 m). Some insist that Goliath could not have been that tall, but consider: In modern times, the tallest man documented was over 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 m) tall. Is it really impossible that Goliath was six inches (15 cm) or so taller? He was of the tribe of the Rephaim, men who were known for their unusual size. An Egyptian document from the 13th century B.C.E. mentions that some fearsome warriors in the region of Canaan were over eight feet (2.4 m) in height. So Goliath’s height, while unusual, is hardly impossible.2 | Was David a real person? 2 | Was David a real person? There was a time when scholars tried to relegate King David to the realm of myth, but that has become harder to do. Archaeologists have found an ancient inscription that mentions “the house of David.” Furthermore, Jesus Christ spoke of David as a real person. () Jesus’ identity as the Messiah is supported by two detailed genealogies showing that he descended from King David. () Clearly, David was a real man.3 | Did the events described in the account unfold in a real place? 3 | Did the events described in the account unfold in a real place?
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