David and Goliath...

I am working on my fourth David and Goliath diorama....it seems to be my trademark scene.  Maybe it is the appeal, as it does make a good action scene.

I had always thought of Goliath as havng a big, thick black or dark brown beard - all my dioramas to date dipicted this.  Although I do my research (both Biblically and historically, I've never had a differing opinion).  I recently wanted to start work for a David and Goliath diorama for my desk at work, and decided to order some new "Goliaths" and try something different.  Not noticing, I ordered a Goliath without a beard.

As this Goliath had a Roman style helmet with plummage (feathers) out the top, I did research on whether to paint this black or red.  As it turned out, I stumbled upon a page describing the Philistines as beeing clean shaven and wearing thus such a helmet.  Without willing knowing so, I had actually ordered a more closely resembling Goliath than I had been using in the past!  (I have to think God's direction was in this... : )

Anyway, here was the first "Goliath" I painted...it was my test of texture and colors before I did the real thing, because he is holding the shield, which according to scripture, was actually carried by another man.  Tecnically speaking, David faced two men that day on the battlefield, Goliath and his shield-bearer (although I think the shield-bearer dropped the shield and booked his way back to Mediterrean Sea when Goliath fell - my opinion, not Biblically stated!).  Also to note, the whole Philistine army was not far behind.

I aptly named this one "Ishbibenob ", which happened to be one of Goliath's sons.  Some associate Ishbibenob as a brother to Goliath, but this is inaccurately stated.  Ishbibenob was thought to have killed David on the batlle field, but David was rescued by Abishai.  Maybe a diorama for another day....

I Samuel 17: 1 - 58; II Samuel 21:15-17