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David with the Head of Goliath (1601/02) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, 1 Samuel 17:45-53, Bible.Gallery

David with the Head of Goliath (1601/02) is a oil on canvas painting by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610), created in c. 1601. Measuring 91 × 110 cm, it depicts the biblical scene from 1 Samuel 17:45-53. This painting is housed at Museo del Prado, Paseo del Prado, Madrid.

1 Samuel 17:45-53

1 Samuel 17:45

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

1 Samuel 17:46

Today, Yahweh will deliver you into my hand. I will strike you, and take your head from off you. I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines today to the birds of the sky, and to the wild animals of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,

1 Samuel 17:47

and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn’t save with sword and spear; for the battle is Yahweh’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

1 Samuel 17:48

When the Philistine arose, and walked and came near to meet David, David hurried, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:49

David put his hand in his bag, took a stone, and slung it, and struck the Philistine in his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.

1 Samuel 17:50

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine, and killed him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

1 Samuel 17:51

Then David ran, stood over the Philistine, took his sword, drew it out of its sheath, killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

1 Samuel 17:52

The men of Israel and of Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as Gai and to the gates of Ekron. The wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and to Ekron.

1 Samuel 17:53

The children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines and they plundered their camp.

Other artworks from Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

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Salome with the Baptist's Head by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio Matthew 14:9

The Conversion on the Way to Damascus by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio Acts 9

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio John 20:24-29

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