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External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Melissa Petruzzello Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles... Melissa Petruzzello Fact-checked by Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep. 23, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot According to 1 Samuel 17 of the Hebrew Bible (which contains a large portion of the Christian Old Testament), Goliath was a heavily armed Philistine giant who challenged King Saul for 40 days to send out a man to fight him. No one would face this intimidating warrior until young David, a shepherd (and future king of Israel), volunteered. Armed only with a sling and a few stones, the brave and godly David hit the giant in the forehead with a stone and killed him. This biblical underdog story is famous, but just how tall was Goliath? The Bible tells ...(100 of 346 words)
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