Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
Goliath of Gath explained
This chapter retells the biblical story of David and Goliath in poetic form, describing the Philistine giant's challenge, David's courageous acceptance, and his victory through divine aid.
What happens
This chapter retells the biblical story of David and Goliath in poetic form, describing the Philistine giant's challenge, David's courageous acceptance, and his victory through divine aid.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This poem serves as the narrative climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak where the sp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Divine Providence and Nature
David's victory is attributed to Jehovah's power, emphasizing divine intervention over human strength.
- Classical and Biblical Allusion
The poem invokes the Muses and uses epic conventions to retell a biblical story, blending classical and scriptural elements.
- Virtue and Moral Guidance
David's faith and courage serve as a moral example, contrasting with Goliath's pride and defiance.
Characters to notice
- Goliath of Gath
The Philistine giant who challenges the Israelite army and is slain by David.
- David
The young shepherd who defeats Goliath with a sling and stone, trusting in God.
- Eliab
David's older brother who rebukes him for coming to the battlefield.
- Jesse
David's father, mentioned as the father of the young hero.
- Israel
The nation of Israel, depicted as fearful of Goliath's challenge.
- Philistia
The Philistine army, which flees after Goliath's death.
Key passages
“Ye martial pow’rs, and all ye tuneful nine, Inspire my song, and aid my high design.”
O gods of war and Muses, help me write this epic poem.
Wheatley invokes classical muses to begin her heroic narrative.
“The God, who sav’d me from these beasts of prey, By me this monster in the dust shall lay.”
The same God who rescued me from lions and bears will help me defeat this giant.
David expresses his faith that God will grant him victory over Goliath.
“To-day the Lord of Hosts to me will give Vict’ry, to-day thy doom thou shalt receive.”
Today the Lord will give me victory, and you will meet your fate.
David confidently declares his trust in God's deliverance.
