Michelangelo's "David" - with works cited

Essay by amy.skidmoreCollege, UndergraduateA+, May 2006

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The time period is 1025 Before Christ (B.C.) and the Philistine army has invaded Israel to overtake the country and make slaves of the Israeli people. (1 Samuel) One Philistine soldier makes an arrogant challenge to any one of the Israeli people willing to fight him and win the freedom of Israel. At over nine feet tall, Goliath, the Philistine champion, stands ready to take on any challenger. His armor and weaponry weigh over 150 pounds. Goliath's armored coat alone weighs 125 pounds. The formidable foe seems impossible to beat, even by the strongest men in Israel. Are the Israeli people destined to become slaves to the Philistines? Not if David, son of Jesse, and an Israelite has anything to say. David, a shepherd boy, was too young and small to fight along side his brothers in the Israeli army, to repel the Philistines.

David is tending sheep when Saul, the King of Israel, asks David to take some supplies to the men on the front line of the battle.

David does as asked, and while on the front line, overhears the boasts and challenge of the giant, Goliath. David is devoted to God and believes God will deliver him from any harm. David confronts the giant. Goliath is not threatened by the boy and mocks David, "Come here and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field." (1 Samuel, 17:44) Armed with only a sling and some stones, David tells Goliath, "This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head." (1 Samuel, 17:46) With one perfectly placed stone, David strikes Goliath in the forehead, killing the giant, defeating the Philistines, and saving Israel from enslavement.

David and his...