Biblical Hebrew Forum

[RGmyrken AT aol.com]

And what did the writer of 1 Sam. know of 10th century Philistine tactics?

RGm

> I have heard Finkelstein make that claim - that Goliath, armor and all, is
> modeled on Greek hoplite mercenaries that the 7th century (or later) that
> the writer might have been familiar with. Could be. On the other hand, what
> do we know of 10th century Philistine tactics?
> 
> Yigal
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <RGmyrken AT aol.com>
> To: <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
> Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 4:38 AM
> Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Shield-bearer 1 Samuel 17:41
> 
> 
> >Dear Brian,
> >
> >  I Sam. 17:41 clearly reflects Hellenistic hoplight military tactics, in
> >which a shield-bearer was standard.  The description of Goliath's weaponry
> is
> >also consistent with such an interpretation.  Please see any standard work
> on
> >the Hellenistic armies.
> >
> >Best regards,
> >Russell Gmirkin
> >
> >>My confusion is based on how it could have worked that two of them would
> >>be approaching David. I understand the idea of an armour-bearer to carry
> >>weapons etc. for a warrior, but surely when he is actually going to
> >>battle the armour-bearer then gives the armour to the warrior.
>