David vs Goliath

The David vs Goliath story actually makes perfect tactical sense. Ancient armies regularly used slingers as elite ranged units, not just shepherds with rocks. A skilled slinger could launch a projectile at around 100 mph with lethal accuracy at 130+ yards. The dense lead or stone bullets they used could pierce armor and shatter bones. We've found actual slinger bullets from archaeological sites with "catch this" or "take that" inscribed on them - ancient soldiers had a sense of humor. The Benjaminites in the region were famous for having slingers who could "sling a stone at a hair and not miss." The Balearic Islands produced such effective slingers that major powers fought to recruit them. These warriors trained from childhood, much like David would have while protecting his flocks. Against a heavily armored opponent like Goliath, a slinger actually had the advantage. The giant's bronze armor and shield would have slowed him down significantly. He needed a shield-bearer just to carry his equipment. This means David could easily maintain optimal range while Goliath lumbered after him. The "miracle" wasn't that David won - it was that Goliath accepted single combat against a slinger in the first place. It'd be like a modern tank commander getting out to fistfight a sniper. Archaeological evidence from the right time period shows sling stones could easily reach the kinetic energy needed to penetrate bronze helmets.