Reading for March 11th

 Read 1 Samuel 15.1-11. In 17.1-58: David defeats the Philistine champion. An initial version of this story in vv. 1-11, 32-49, 51-54 has been extensively a supplemented in the Hebrew text by vv. 12-31, 50, 55-58, 18.1-5. The supplementary material does not occur in the old Greek translation (known as the Septuagint and abbreviated as LXX). Its addition has caused a series of tensions within the story relating to David's presence in Saul's army, the way in which the Philistine died, and Saul's acquaintance with David. In verse 4: Goliath is a genuine Philistine name. But is occurs only here and in v. 23, which is supplemental. Otherwise David's opponent is simply called "the Philistine." The name has come into the story under the influence of 2 Sam 21.19, which says that a man named Elhanan killed Goliath. Six cubits and a span was about nine and one-half feet. The Greek reading, "four cubits and a span," about six and one-half feet, is more realistic and probably original. In verses 5-7: The armor described here is not genuinely Philistine but reflects items from different arise at different times. It is designed to paint a very imposing picture of the Philistine. Five thousand shekels was almost 126 pounds. In verse 6: The javelin was more likely a curved sword or scimitar. In verse 7: The spear's description is borrowed from 2 Sam 21.39. The comparison of the shaft with a weaver's beam is obscure. it may refer to size or to a leather thong attached to some spears to facilitate hurling. Six thousand shekels of iron was more than 15 pounds. Comments or Questions..