ZAW 2019; 131(4): 631–635 Naama Golan* Metal and Stone: An Analogy between the Story of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17) and the Story of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Dan 2) https://doi.org/10.1515/zaw-2019-4009 In this paper I would like to point to an intra-biblical analogy between the story of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17) and the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Dan 2). Although this analogy is extensive, it has received nearly no scholarly attention to date. In his study on the story of David and Goliath, Rofé claims that the date of this text should be pushed down to the 4th century BCE.1 He argues also that both protagonists are not mentioned solely as historical figures, but rather that David represents Israel’s future redeemer, whereas Goliath represents the heathen empire. In this context, Rofé introduces the following question: »Is there not a resemblance between the stone which felled the Philistine and the stone in Daniel 2, which, cut without hands, smashed a huge and awesome image?«2 Rofé leaves this matter unresolved, elaborating on it further in a footnote: »Is there any relation between 1 Samuel 17 and Daniel 2 in its present or earlier form? The answer would affect the dating of 1 Samuel 17«.3 In this paper I intend to answer Rofé’s question and demonstrate that a broad analogy does indeed exist between the two stories, which includes thematic and linguistic affinities. Apart from unravelling this analogy, I will discuss its purpose and meaning. We may refer to this intertextual relationship as a double analogy: David’s victory over Goliath may be paralleled to Daniel’s victory over the other wise men of Babylon. Goliath, who was defeated and fell to the ground, may be compared with the wise men who failed to interpret the dream. The analogy between these stories is, however, even broader, as Goliath who falls to the ground clad in metal armor may be seen as a parallel to the metal statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. 1 Rofé mentions many explanations for this argument. He considers the length of the narrative, the paradigmatic nature of the story, extensive linguistic evidence supporting a late date for this story and more. See Alexander Rofé, »David Overcomes Goliath (1 Samuel 17): Genre, Text, Ori- gin and Message of the Story,« Henoch 37 (2015): 65–100. 2 Ibid., 92. 3 Ibid., 92 n. 80. *Kontakt: Naama Golan, Ariel University, E-Mail: Naamagolan1@gmail.com Article note: This article was written as part of the ISF project no. 674/15 headed by Dr. Shai Gordin (Ariel University). I would like to thank Dr. Shai Gordin for his great help. In addition, I would like to thank Prof. Marc Zvi Brettler from Duke University and Prof. Ed Greenstein from Bar Ilan University for their important comments on this article. An earlier version of this paper was delivered at the SBL International Meeting in Helsinki 2018. Brought to you by | Columbia University Libraries Authenticated Download Date | 12/4/19 4:21 PM