Tale of the Tape (Part 2)

With an idea of the battle at hand, one must consider the Tale of the Tape.  Looking at the two adversaries, there are a few things of note that normally appear on any sports stars tape. Height, weight, and Years Experience will be considered. As this is not a normal sporting event but rather a battle to the death there are other things which will be considered: any Armor which is worn, the type of Weaponry the combatants would choose to use, and those who would be in the Corner. As these are covered, it will be noted who has the advantage.

HEIGHT

Goliath: “And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span” (1 Samuel 17:4). This does not translate well for those of us who go by feet and inches. A cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (around one foot and six inches). A span was the length from the top of the middle finger to the end of the thumb (around nine inches). That would have made Goliath anywhere between 9’9 and 9’11.

David: We are told neither David’s height not weight. It is best not to speculate about that which we are not told. We do know that God told Samuel: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). This was spoken when Samuel was looking over David’s brothers concerning who was to be king of Israel. We do know from other verses concerning David that he was not close to the height as Goliath.

Advantage: Goliath.

WEIGHT

Goliath: We do not know the exact weight of Goliath because nothing is said concerning the matter. As will be noted again in the next point, the armor of Goliath weighed almost two hundred and seventy pounds. A lightweight would not be able to carry such cumbersome armor, much less move about in it. Considering the “super-heavyweight” division of kickboxing is only for those over two hundred pounds and Mixed Martial Arts consists of those over two hundred and sixty five pounds, one cannot simply place Goliath into a weight class. After all, his armor weighs more than a “super-heavyweight.” We do not know his exact weight but we do know that he had to be a colossal man to move about with such heavy armor.

David: As with his height, there is nothing said about David’s weight. Regardless, if one were to do a weigh in on these two, David’s weight would not come close to that of Goliath’s weight.

Advantage: Goliath.

ARMOR

Goliath: “And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and…one bearing a shield went before him” (1Samuel 17:5-6, 7b).  Goliath was very well protected as brass is known for its strength. His head was protected by a helmet. Chainmail consisted of small rings hooked together, forming a mesh pattern. The main job of this armor was to protect against the sharp points of arrows and swords while offering freedom of movement to its wearer. Greaves are a type of armor which was worn around the area covering the shins. He also carried a shield, which would rest between his shoulders when not engaged in battle. This is not the “target” which was between Goliath’s shoulders but something else. This piece of armor was used for offence and defense as there was a sharp point, somewhat like a dagger, in the middle. This could be used as a bludgeon against an unprepared foe.

David: While Goliath was well armored, David had no armor to call his own. Saul tried to resolve this glaring issue. “And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him” (1Samuel 17:38-39). Sadly, David was not able to wear the armor as he had not “proved” or been trained to move about in the armor.

Advantage: Goliath.

So far, it looks as if Goliath has the advantage over David but there are still three categories left to cover. These will be covered in a few days.