Five on Five

David v. Goliath is the ultimate one-on-one showdown. By the end of 2 Samuel, though, that single combat has expanded.

Goliath has four relatives: Ishbi-benob (2 Samuel 21:16); Saph (v. 18); Lahmi (v. 19; cf. 1 Chronicles 20:5); and a giant with twenty-four fingers and toes (v. 20). Goliath is surrounded at the four points of the compass, by four cornerstones. With the four other giants, Goliath makes a five-man formation, the basic unit of ancient military organization, a pyramid.

But David also has his four: Abishai (2 Samuel 21:17); Sibbecai the Hushathite (v. 18); Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite (v. 19); Jonathan the son of Shimei (v. 21). David too is a peak of a pyramid on a square base.

David’s four defeat Goliath’s four, just as David defeated Goliath. David the giant killer inspires others, forming a four-cornered house of giant-killers.