david and goliath

There are few images more disturbing than the vision most people have of Goliath. There is very little sympathy for the man in any corner. He as a freak by all accounts, huge, most likely disturbing in his visage, perhaps even slightly deformed. He had no doubt suffered as a child, growing too fast and too oddly for the liking of his peers. At manhood he discovered that his rage and size gave him a hero's role in the army of his king and people. He was a champion, so much presence and intimidation that he could translate his awkward manner into a path of death among his enemies. He didn't need to land every blow, just one and that would take care of his opponent. Goliath probably lived pretty well for the short duration of his life. Pay and honor among his people came with his military presence. Then that Hebrew shepherd boy ended it all.

Should we feel sorry for Goliath, the freak turned muscle for the king of the Philistines? I wouldn't worry too much about it. He became a part of the system that he himself probably hated. He drank from the cup of his king and was used to an end. When he fell, I'm sure it was a surprise to him as much as the rest of the Philistine army. No one expects the giant to fall to the little boy. That is a take down for the ages. Goliath as co-conspirator. Does a human being's humanity become diminished when they take on roles of power, authority or grandeur? This is a question suited to the modern age. Should our heroes and leaders be judged as human beings, filled with passion, envy, hatred, love, jealousy, imperfection and intentions, or are they monsters, tools of a system that purchased their humanity long ago and now uses them to achieve it's end and perpetuate its survival?