Sling to Head was launched from a comment in “The Bible and Science” series. I think the person who commented needed more than my metaphorical look at Newton’s First Law. I agree that I could add a little more science to the post.  This contribution still has a fair amount of metaphor in it because that is what I want to write.

1 Samuel 17:49 is the bullseye for my example of converting kinetic energy to potential energy. To make a solid hit, I will talk mainly about the stone once it is released from its sling by David. Like many motion problems, there is more than one thing that could be looked at.  

What gave the stone its kinetic energy? David rapidly rotated his sling, a strap with an area that held the stone. Long, long ago I did see a video of someone who constructed an experiment to test this feat. I remember the conclusion as positive; you could be that accurate and the stone could hit with enough force to break a bone.

The rotational speed of the sling was given to the stone at the moment of release. That is all of the kinetic energy it would have. Since it was probably a short distance to Goliath’s head speed lost to friction would be minimal. When it impacted the skull, its momentum allowed for the KE to be transferred until it came to rest and achieved potential energy. You may debate friction transfer and heat loss all you want.

Did David have help? Yes. Did an angel guide the stone? That I cannot answer, but it may have happened. It is also possible that Goliath’s head was held until the stone hit. Okay, the help I see is the anointing that David received from Samuel (16:13). He had the Spirit given to him and He stayed with David for his whole life. My take on 1 Samuel 16 is different from the popular version that has been circulated.

A fearful Samuel created panic in a troubled Jesse. David was out in the field, who knows where and Samuel was in a hurry. David should have been young, under fifteen and very likely twelve. He was just learning to read the Torah (sorry no bar mitzvah). It also makes sense that there were several years between 16:13 and 16:14. I believe that after the Oil was applied, he went from just a kid to the future king. His talents were magnified, and his abilities soared; he was better at slinging stones, music, leadership, and annoying his brothers.

A little metaphor – You are the stone in the hands of the King. With every spin in His sling, you gain speed with a direction (velocity) until He releases you at your giant. When the job is finished and the giant is brought down, He will give you rest until you are needed again.