21
2.
The author of 1-2 Chronicles did not use the proto-MT of 1-2 Samuel but rather a
manuscript that reflects the textual tradition found in 4QSam
a
and in the
Septuagint.
3.
The reading "four cubits and a span" is the height of Goliath found in 4QSam
a
,
the oldest extant Hebrew witness to this verse. This manuscript dates to the first
century BC, predating the earliest MT manuscript by a thousand years.
4.
The reading "four cubits and a span" is attested by Josephus in the first century
AD, by the Christian Lucian recension of the third century AD, and by the major
codices Vaticanus and Alexandrinus, indicating that this was very likely the
original reading in the Old Greek of the original Septuagint.
5.
A plausible explanation of the alternate reading is available. A scribe may have
committed parablepsis and copied "six" from the phrase "six hundred" in verse 7.
6.
The height "four cubits and a span" fits better with the literary context, keeping
the focus of the story on the contrast between David and Saul.
Therefore, in conclusion I suggest that we accept "four cubits and a span" as the most
likely original reading. I also suggest that this reading should be reflected in our Bible
translations, relegating the variant reading of "six cubits and a span" to the notes and/or
the margins, and that this reading should likewise be reflected in our commentary
writing, our classroom teaching, and our preaching.
Goliath was still a formidable foe. Not many of us would want to fight hand-to-
hand to the death with Flozell Adams, and most of us are quite a bit taller than the
average Israelite was. Saul was the only logical choice to fight Goliath, who was close to