Excavated a couple of days ago at Khirbet Qeiyafa…
Imagine this hitting your head at 70 mph. As the Bible politely puts Goliath’s experience, “The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.” (1 Sam. 17:49) Sling stones were serious business. (Photo courtesy of Royce Chandler)
This is one of several sling stones excavated this year at Qeiyafa.
Update: I should clarify that this was not David’s actual stone, nor was his stone likely to have been so well-worked. He would have looked for a smooth, balanced stone to fly straight and likely kill/severely disable his opponent. It need not have been this large, though it most certainly would not have been anything resembling a pebble.
Pingback: July 2012 Biblical Studies Carnival « Reading Acts