In the 20th century endocrinology has shown that tall and strong people often have limited eyesight. [1] “Endocrinology has been marshalled to prove convincingly that limited eyesight, common in tall, strong people, could have hampered Goliath’s capability to react correctly to David’s aiming his sling.”

Consider highlights of this encounter: “And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare [Goliath’s] shield went before him. (42) And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. 43 … And the Philistine cursed David by his gods [big mistake!].  (45) Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied … (48) And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (49) And David put his hand in the bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth” (1 Samuel 17:41-49).

David and Goliath

Slingshot warriors have been common in the past (even now by some Arabs in Gaza). Perhaps more often than not, the slinging was done from their sides (vertically), rather than overhead (horizontally). But “slingers sometimes commanded little respect by other ancient troops, as the simple sling was often viewed as a poor man’s weapon. Well-armored and well-armed infantrymen, who fought hand-to-hand, commanded more respect. Goliath’s disdain for David (1 Samuel 17:42-44) may reflect this common disrespect of slingers.”

The 21st century suggests the practical physics of the encounter. “A modern ethnographic study notes that Arabian slingers hunt game at 30-50 yards, which likely provides an upper limit for the range at which David could have attacked Goliath. … Modern tests show that javelins have an effective range of just over 20 yards. … When it comes to speed and lethal force, the sling’s centrifugal force enables a moderately skilled slinger to launch a projectile at speeds of up to 113 mph and inflict great damage.” [2] That speed is 55 yards per second! Goliath would have had only a split second to react. So with Goliath’s likely limited eyesight, it gives full credibility to David’s slingshot victory.

—  Br.  James Parkinson

[1] Chaim Herzog and Mordechai Gichon, Battles of the Bible, (1978, 1997), page 93.

[2] Boyd Seevers and Victoria Parrott, “Taking a Sling, How David Defeated Goliath,” Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) 48, 3 (Fall 2022), pages 50-54.

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