David and Goliath Through the Eyes of Medicine

The story of David and Goliath found in the Bible is probably one of the most well-known and often-told stories from the Old Testament. It carries with it a wonderful lesson – that no problem is too big in the eyes of God. If we see everything in the same perspective as God, huge problems and situations that seem impossible can be seen more clearly. We can deal with them more effectively, especially with God on our side.

The story explains the war that the Philistines initiated against King Saul and the Israelites. Goliath, a giant who towered 9-feet tall, was part of the army of the Philistines. Each day he came to the front lines of the fighting adorned in a full set of armor to intimidate the Israelites. Not one man was brave enough to take on Goliath. His mocking of Saul and the rest of the Israelite army was unrelenting.

While no \”man\” would fight Goliath, a young shepherd named David shook off his fear and doubt. With only a sling, a bag full of stones, and his faith in God, David confronted Goliath while shouting, \”I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.\” Before Goliath could strike a blow, David pulled out his sling and struck Goliath in the forehead through the smallest of openings in his armor. Goliath dropped to the ground and was dead.

Certain scientists have taken a keen interest in the events leading up to Goliath\’s death. Neurologists theorize that Goliath may have suffered from a disease that causes the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of growth hormones. The disorder is called acromegaly and is more commonly known as gigantism. This condition can cause people to grow to abnormal heights. So, according to this theory, Goliath was suffering a disease that would have, at some point, caused his premature death either way.

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.

Skeptics also question how one small stone could cause the death of the huge man. They suggest that David\’s stone hit directly on the tumor, bursting it and causing it bleed enough for the blow to be deadly.

If Goliath did indeed suffer from gigantism, this by no means detracts from the faith of the young David. No soldier at the time could have known the cause behind Goliath\’s size, let alone a teenage shepherd. The lesson speaks down through the ages that what appears to be impossible can be made possible with God at our side.

Robert Mann is a seasoned writer focusing on themes related to teaching, religion and Christianity. For more faith-based information, select these links for Christian news and ministry jobs.

David and Goliath Through the Eyes of Medicine