Sa mu el 54 for the plot . He was very tall, 4 cubits and a span, according to some ancient text witnesses ; or a giant, 6 cubits and a span, according to the We should not take the latter literally . This measuretraditional text . 10 is based upon the number 7 as a symbol of completeness . Goliath had just a span more than six cubits high, which means that he was a giant, but not an extreme one as defined by the seven - number system . To the Israelites, however, he appeared as a formidable giant, heavily equipped with unique gear and weapons . In the Israelite army, there were at least two tall fighters : King Saul ( 9 : 2 ) and Eliab, David’s older brother ( 16 : 7 ) . We will discuss their reaction to the challenge later in our literary analysis . After the description of his remarkable height indicating a very strong warrior, the narrator presents Goliath’s defensive gear and offensive weapons in detail ( vs . 5 – 7 ) . He wore a bronze helmet, heavy bronze scale - armor, and bron...
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