Topical Bible: Spear: Goliath's

◄ Spear: Goliath's ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Goliath's spear is a significant weapon mentioned in the biblical narrative of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath, a Philistine giant from Gath, is described as a formidable warrior who challenged the armies of Israel. His spear is noted for its extraordinary size and weight, symbolizing his strength and the threat he posed to the Israelites.

Description and Characteristics

The spear of Goliath is detailed in 1 Samuel 17:7: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him." . The comparison to a weaver's rod suggests a substantial and robust shaft, indicating the spear's massive size. The iron point, weighing six hundred shekels, is approximately 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms), underscoring the spear's lethality and the physical prowess required to wield it.

Symbolism and Significance

Goliath's spear represents the might and military power of the Philistines, who were a constant threat to the Israelites during the time of King Saul. The spear's imposing size and weight serve as a metaphor for the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by the people of Israel. Goliath's weaponry, including his spear, is part of the broader depiction of him as an intimidating and invincible foe.

David's Victory

Despite the formidable nature of Goliath's spear, it ultimately plays a role in highlighting the power of God and the faith of David. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, David responds to Goliath's challenge by declaring his trust in the Lord: "David said to the Philistine, '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.'" . David's victory over Goliath, achieved with a sling and a stone, demonstrates that reliance on God can overcome even the greatest of earthly powers.

Legacy

The account of Goliath's spear and David's triumph has been a source of inspiration for believers, illustrating the theme of faith overcoming fear and the power of God prevailing over human strength. The account serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual reliance and courage in the face of daunting challenges.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:7
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Power of a Pebble.
... Goliath came on also, his armor-bearer carrying the shield before him, but when
he saw ... he despised him, for he was without armor, or sword or spear, only his ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

The victory of Unarmed Faith
... quarters, spear to thrust with, and javelin to fling from a distance, every weapon
that ingenuity could fashion and trained skill could wield. Goliath was a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the victory of unarmed faith.htm

Illustrations
... The young shepherd boy (color plate). David cutting off Goliath's head (color plate).
The spear struck the wall (color plate). The garment of Saul. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/illustrations.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Then one day the Philistines sent out a champion, a giant named Goliath of Gath ... The
staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his shield-bearer went ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

'The Sword of the Spirit'
... It is for the Christian consciousness the true Ithuriel's spear, at the touch of ...
asked the priests for weapons, and they told him that Goliath's sword was ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the sword of the spirit.htm

The Story of David
... But David did not wait to come within reach of the spear. Before Goliath came near,
the boy stopped suddenly and sent a stone whizzing through the air straight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... him. Hang up Goliath's sword; do not put it by to rust. ... too. Hang up the
shield, hang up the spear, let Jehovah's name be exalted. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

The Wounds of Jesus
... that the prints of the nails were visible, and that in his side there was still
the gash of the spear. ... David laid up Goliath's sword before the Lord for ever. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the wounds of jesus.htm

The History of Saul
... his sword and spear, unto David. And David did all that ever Saul bade him do wisely
and prudently. And when he returned from the battle, and Goliath was slain ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

War! War! War!
... Our kingdom is not of this world; else would God's servants fight with sword and
spear. ... It was all very well for David to cut off Goliath's head with his own ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm