Copyright © 2006 By Doug Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.
Catechism Of The Catholic Church Reprinted With Permission.
- 79 -
David holding aloft
the severed head of Goliath
But remember, many others, especially those of the Protestant persuasion, do not
believe. Some go so far as to claim that these apparitions are Satanic, so be
aware that substantial misinformation exists in cyber space. Always be on the
lookout for fake web sites spouting lies, which masquerade as the real thing.
We know the crucifixion took place at “Golgotha, the place of the skull” (later,
called Calvary). Did you ever wonder how the place got its’ name?
According to the Bible, David, a young shepherd boy, defeated the giant, Goliath
of Gath, champion of the Philistines, with a well-placed sling shot. He then cut off
the giant’s head and took it to Jerusalem. Jewish tradition goes on to tell us that
David hung Goliath’s head on the city wall just outside the gates.
After some decomposition and weathering, only the oversized SKULL remained. It
must have been a ghastly sight to behold (and a memorable one)!
So, Gol-Goth-A is the “place of the skull” where the remains of Goliath of Gath
were displayed. It became a memorial to the defeat of an evil giant and later, a
memorial to the defeat of the Evil One. Here’s the Bible reference:
1Samuel 17:49 - 54 And he put his hand into his scrip, and took a stone, and cast
it with the sling, and fetching it about, struck the Philistine in the forehead, and
he fell on his face upon the earth. And David
prevailed over the Philistine, with a sling and a
stone, and he struck, and slew the Philistine.
And as David had no sword in his hand, He ran,
and stood over the Philistine, and took his
sword, and drew it out of the sheath, and slew
him, and cut off his head. And the Philistines
seeing that their champion was dead, fled away.
And the men of Israel and Juda rising up
shouted, and pursued after the Philistines till
they came to the valley and to the gates of
Accaron, and there fell many wounded of the
Philistines in the way of Saraim, and as far as
Geth, and as far as Accaron. And the children of
Israel returning, after they had pursued the
Philistines, fell upon their camp. And David
taking the head of the Philistine, brought it to
Jerusalem: but his armor he put in his tent.
We also know that David took five stones with him
when he met Goliath on the field of battle. Why take
five when only one would be necessary? Did David
lack faith in God?
Hardly. Goliath had four brothers, all of them giants! Knowing that he might have
to do battle with the entire bunch, David took along some additional ammo. Young
David was both faithful and smart!
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