By Robert Mann
One of God's most important lessons to us is relayed in the story of David and Goliath found in the Old Testament. This tale has been told over and over again in Bible studies or as a bed time story to teach people from a young age that faith in God can get them through any situation, no matter how overwhelming it may seem. With God as our guide we can handle anything that faces us.
The story of David and Goliath tells about the war between the Philistines and the Israelites who were led by King Saul. The Philistines fiercest warrior was a 9-foot tall armor clad giant named Goliath. Every day he would assail the Israelites with mockery and slurs against their king. Despite this, no soldier would stand up against Goliath because they were so afraid.
A teenage boy name David put his fear aside and, armed only with a bag of stones and a sling, challenged Goliath by saying "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty." As Goliath began to attack, David used his sling and a well-aimed stone to puncture a small opening in the forehead of Goliath's armor and immediately kill him.
Tales from the bible are often the source of interest to scientists seeking to find the truth or fiction in them. This story is one that has fascinated them for years. Physicians have suggested that Goliath was actually a man afflicted with a disease called acromelagy or "gigantism". The pituitary gland in people who suffer from this disease releases excess amounts of growth hormones, causing them to become unusually tall. If this theory were true, Goliath would probably have succumbed to this disease at any time.
Next is the question of why it was so easy for David to approach this supposed great warrior and quickly get off a fatal shot. Researchers explain this one away by surmising the Goliath's condition had affected his vision, making him either partially blind or giving him tunnel vision. The tumor that is the cause of the large amounts of growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland may have been compressing Goliath's optic nerves. The giant may not have seen David approaching, making it easy for the boy to strike Goliath.
Others who are skeptical ask how a single stone could bring down the fearsome giant. The tumor is also the explanation for this. If it was the tumor that was struck by the rock, it may have ruptured and then bled, causing Goliath to die.
Even if Goliath's size was a direct result of gigantism, this should not take away from the David's bravery and faith in the face of danger. Neither the Philistines, the Israelites, nor the young shepherd David understood why Goliath was such a giant. The lesson still holds that God can make anything possible if you have faith.
About the Author:
Robert Mann is a seasoned writer concentrating on subjects related to teaching, religion and Christianity. For more faith-based information, select these links for Christian news (http://www.echristiannews.com) and ministry jobs (http://www.eministryjobs.com) .
One of God's most important lessons to us is relayed in the story of David and Goliath found in the Old Testament. This tale has been told over and over again in Bible studies or as a bed time story to teach people from a young age that faith in God can get them through any situation, no matter how overwhelming it may seem. With God as our guide we can handle anything that faces us.
The story of David and Goliath tells about the war between the Philistines and the Israelites who were led by King Saul. The Philistines fiercest warrior was a 9-foot tall armor clad giant named Goliath. Every day he would assail the Israelites with mockery and slurs against their king. Despite this, no soldier would stand up against Goliath because they were so afraid.
A teenage boy name David put his fear aside and, armed only with a bag of stones and a sling, challenged Goliath by saying "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty." As Goliath began to attack, David used his sling and a well-aimed stone to puncture a small opening in the forehead of Goliath's armor and immediately kill him.
Tales from the bible are often the source of interest to scientists seeking to find the truth or fiction in them. This story is one that has fascinated them for years. Physicians have suggested that Goliath was actually a man afflicted with a disease called acromelagy or "gigantism". The pituitary gland in people who suffer from this disease releases excess amounts of growth hormones, causing them to become unusually tall. If this theory were true, Goliath would probably have succumbed to this disease at any time.
Next is the question of why it was so easy for David to approach this supposed great warrior and quickly get off a fatal shot. Researchers explain this one away by surmising the Goliath's condition had affected his vision, making him either partially blind or giving him tunnel vision. The tumor that is the cause of the large amounts of growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland may have been compressing Goliath's optic nerves. The giant may not have seen David approaching, making it easy for the boy to strike Goliath.
Others who are skeptical ask how a single stone could bring down the fearsome giant. The tumor is also the explanation for this. If it was the tumor that was struck by the rock, it may have ruptured and then bled, causing Goliath to die.
Even if Goliath's size was a direct result of gigantism, this should not take away from the David's bravery and faith in the face of danger. Neither the Philistines, the Israelites, nor the young shepherd David understood why Goliath was such a giant. The lesson still holds that God can make anything possible if you have faith.
About the Author:
Robert Mann is a seasoned writer concentrating on subjects related to teaching, religion and Christianity. For more faith-based information, select these links for Christian news (http://www.echristiannews.com) and ministry jobs (http://www.eministryjobs.com) .