The concept of height and stature is mentioned several times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing strength, power, or prominence. In biblical narratives, individuals of great height are frequently noted for their physical prowess or their role in significant events.

Goliath of Gath

One of the most famous figures noted for his height is Goliath, the Philistine giant who confronted the Israelites. Described in 1 Samuel 17, Goliath's height is recorded as "six cubits and a span" (1 Samuel 17:4), which is approximately nine feet nine inches tall. His towering presence and formidable armor made him a fearsome opponent, yet he was ultimately defeated by the young shepherd David, who relied on God's strength rather than physical might.

King Saul

King Saul, the first king of Israel, was also noted for his height. In 1 Samuel 9:2, it is mentioned that Saul was "as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else" . Saul's stature was one of the attributes that made him an appealing choice for king in the eyes of the people, symbolizing leadership and authority.

The Anakim

The Anakim were a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their great size and strength. In Deuteronomy 9:2, they are described as "a people great and tall, the descendants of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, 'Who can stand against the sons of Anak?'" . The Israelites encountered the Anakim during their conquest of Canaan, and their presence was initially a source of fear. However, God assured the Israelites of victory over these formidable foes.

Og, King of Bashan

Og, the king of Bashan, is another figure noted for his impressive stature. In Deuteronomy 3:11, it is recorded that "only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide" , indicating his extraordinary size. Og's defeat by the Israelites under Moses' leadership demonstrated God's power over even the mightiest of adversaries.

Symbolism of Height

In biblical literature, height often symbolizes not only physical strength but also pride and arrogance. The Tower of Babel, for instance, was an attempt by humanity to build a structure "with its top in the heavens" (Genesis 11:4), representing human pride and the desire to reach divine status. God thwarted this effort by confusing their language, emphasizing that true greatness comes from humility and obedience to Him.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the tallest figures and structures serve as reminders of both human ambition and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Whether through the defeat of giants or the humbling of the proud, the biblical narrative consistently points to the truth that God's power surpasses all human strength and stature.

The Lessons of the Street.
... sweeping onward in the fresh air of morning, under the glare of noon, under the
fading, flickering light, until the shadow climbs the tallest spire, and night ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse i the lessons of.htm

The Adventure of the Three Sons of Saint George.
... Again and again he roared most terrifically, and as he moved along his head
reached high up among the boughs of the tallest trees. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter fourteen the adventure of.htm

Egypt.
... The head of one, which you may see in the British Museum, is far taller than the
tallest man, and yet the face is really handsome, and there are multitudes more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

Completeness and Universality of his Character.
... Very frequently, the failings and vices of great men are in proportion to their
virtues and powers, as the tallest bodies cast the longest shadows. ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/completeness and universality of his.htm

The Broken Tryst.
... That is earth's tallest hill. It can be seen farthest away of any. Jesus
up on that hill is God calling man back to his broken tryst. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the broken tryst.htm

True Greatness
... But the tallest blade of grass gets mown down by the scythe, and withers as quickly
as the rest of its green companions, and goes its way into the oven as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true greatness.htm

What Injunctions Caesar Gave when He was Come Within the City. The ...
... So this Fronto slew all those that had been seditious and robbers, who were impeached
one by another; but of the young men he chose out the tallest and most ...
/.../chapter 9 what injunctions caesar.htm

Concerning Macherus, and How Lucilius Bassus Took that Citadel ...
... west extends to threescore furlongs, and did not end till it came to the lake
Asphaltitis; on the same side it was also that Macherus had the tallest top of ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning macherus and.htm

The Predictions of Christ.
... were slain. [646] But the tallest of the youths and those that were
distinguished for beauty were preserved for the triumph. Of the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii the predictions of christ.htm

Letter xiv. (AD 389. )
... this; and I ask you to show me any one whose senses were incapable of remarking
the prodigious stature of N??vius, exceeding by a foot that of the tallest man. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xiv a d 389.htm

Tallest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tallest (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:23 By the
messengers thou hast taunted the Lord, and hast said: With ...
/t/tallest.htm - 7k

Taller (7 Occurrences)

/t/taller.htm - 8k

Tally (1 Occurrence)

/t/tally.htm - 7k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... They select the tallest trees of the forest, the topmost crag of the mountain, and
pairs live in solitude, hunting and feeding singly, whenever possible ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)
... Herodotus, the Greek historian, describes them as "the tallest and handsomest of
men." They are frequently represented on Egyptian monuments, and they are all ...
/e/ethiopia.htm - 45k

Was Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org

How tall was Adam? | GotQuestions.org

Is God a megalomaniac? | GotQuestions.org

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