Prime Video’s latest streaming series, House of David, presents biblical stories boldly and imaginatively. The show embraces ancient texts, bringing legendary tales to life with a fresh perspective. One of its most striking elements is the portrayal of giants, including the famous warrior Goliath, played by Martyn Ford.
The third episode, “The Anointing,” confirms that Goliath is not the only giant in this story. Instead, the series suggests that many such warriors existed in biblical history.
For those unfamiliar with these accounts, the idea of multiple giants in the Bible may seem surprising. However, ancient texts reference several figures of immense stature, each playing a role in the struggles of Israel. House of David leans into these historical and mythological aspects, making them a crucial part of its storytelling.
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A Bold Approach to Biblical Storytelling
One of the most engaging aspects of House of David is its willingness to take its time with character development and storytelling. From the very first moments, the show sets up a clear goal for its first season—David (played by Michael Iskander) will eventually face Goliath in battle.
The series teases this legendary fight early on. A brief scene shows Goliath hurling spears at David, an exciting moment that differs slightly from the biblical version in 1 Samuel 17. However, this teaser ends before revealing the outcome, keeping the suspense alive. Despite this small glimpse, one thing is clear: House of David portrays Goliath as an enormous and terrifying figure.
Biblical scholars have long debated Goliath’s actual height. 1 Samuel 17:4 describes him as “six cubits and a span,” which some estimate to be over nine feet tall.
Others suggest that Goliath may have been closer to seven feet. Regardless of the exact measurement, the text emphasizes that he towered over the Israelites, making him a formidable opponent. His armor alone weighed over 100 pounds, highlighting his incredible strength.
In House of David, Goliath’s size remains somewhat mysterious. He appears next to King Achish (played by Alexander Uloom) at the end of “The Anointing,” making it clear that he is a massive figure. However, the show does not stop at Goliath. It introduces the idea that other giants once roamed the land, shaping Israel’s history in profound ways.
The Sons of Anak and the Giants of Old
The second episode, “Deep Calls to Deep,” expands on the legend of biblical giants. In a tense exchange, King Achish taunts David with the Hebrew legend of the Sons of Anak, another group of ancient giants.
The Book of Numbers first mentions these giants in Numbers 13. When Moses sends twelve spies to scout the Promised Land, ten of them return with a fearful report. They claim that the Sons of Anak were so large that the Israelites felt like “grasshoppers” in comparison. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, believe that Israel can defeat them.
Many years later, Joshua leads the Israelites to victory, driving the Anakim to the regions of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod (Joshua 11:22). Because of this, many biblical scholars believe that Goliath and his brothers were direct descendants of these people. The Valley of Giants, which appears in House of David, may have been one of the last places where these warriors lived.
Other biblical accounts mention different giants as well. King Og of Bashan, described in Deuteronomy 3:11, was one of the last of the Rephaim—another term used for giants. According to the text, his bed was over 13 feet long, suggesting that he may have been around 15 feet tall. Like Goliath, he was eventually defeated by Israelite forces.
The Mysterious Origins of the Nephilim
House of David does not just depict giants as warriors; it also hints at their ancient and mysterious origins. The first episode, “A Shepherd and a King,” references one of the Bible’s most intriguing passages—Genesis 6:4.
When Jonathan (played by Ethan Kai) visits the ruined village of Baal Hatzor, he sees a massive, bloody handprint on a wall. In response, he mutters a line from Genesis 6:4: “And there were giants on the earth in those days, and also after.” This moment is more than just an acknowledgment of giants—it serves as a clue about their origins.
According to Genesis 6, the “sons of God” saw that human women were beautiful and took them as wives, producing offspring. The King James Version calls these offspring “giants,” while other translations refer to them as the Nephilim.
The term Nephilim is often translated as “fallen ones,” suggesting that these beings were the result of fallen angels mating with human women. The Book of Job uses similar language to describe angels, reinforcing this theory. Many biblical scholars believe that these unions created hybrid creatures—part angel, part human—with incredible size and strength.
Genesis 6 is also where the story of Noah’s Ark begins. Some believe that one reason for the great flood was to eliminate these corrupted beings. However, as Jonathan notes in House of David, Genesis implies that giants existed even after the flood.
This raises questions about how they returned. Some believe that fallen angels may have intervened again, leading to another generation of giants. Whatever the case, there is a clear connection between the giants of Noah’s time and those later encountered by Israelite warriors.
Goliath Had Giant Brothers, and David Defeated Them All
House of David pays close attention to details that many adaptations overlook. One of these details is that Goliath had four brothers.
When David picks up five smooth stones before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17), some assume it is because he might need more than one for battle. However, another theory suggests that David knew Goliath had four brothers and was preparing for them as well.
After David defeats Goliath, his victory could have provoked the remaining brothers into attacking. Although they did not strike immediately, biblical accounts suggest that David and his men eventually tracked them down.
Both 2 Samuel 21 and 1 Chronicles 20 describe these later battles. The names of Goliath’s brothers include:
- Ishbi-benob
- Lahmi
- Saph (also called Sippai)
- An unnamed six-fingered giant
Each of these warriors met their end at the hands of David and his forces.
A Deeper Look at David’s Journey
The House of David series does more than just retell the famous story of David and Goliath. It expands the world, bringing in historical and legendary figures that shaped biblical events.
By introducing giants beyond Goliath, the show adds depth to its narrative. The inclusion of ancient legends, mysterious origins, and dramatic battles makes House of David a fascinating watch.
For those interested in history, mythology, and biblical tales, House of David offers a unique and detailed perspective. New episodes premiere every Thursday on Prime Video.
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