1 Samuel 17:1-11

1 The Philistines gathered their armies for war. They met at Socoh in Judah and camped at Ephes Dammim between Socoh and Azekah.

2 Saul and the Israelites gathered in the Valley of Elah and camped there and took their positions to fight the Philistines.

3 The Philistines controlled one hill while the Israelites controlled another. The valley was between them.

4 The Philistines had a champion fighter from Gath named Goliath. He was about nine feet, four inches tall. He came out of the Philistine camp

5 with a bronze helmet on his head and a coat of bronze armor that weighed about one hundred twenty-five pounds.

6 He wore bronze protectors on his legs, and he had a bronze spear on his back.

7 The wooden part of his larger spear was like a weaver's rod, and its blade weighed about fifteen pounds. The officer who carried his shield walked in front of him.

8 Goliath stood and shouted to the Israelite soldiers, "Why have you taken positions for battle? I am a Philistine, and you are Saul's servants! Choose a man and send him to fight me.

9 If he can fight and kill me, we will be your servants. But if I can kill him, you will be our servants."

10 Then he said, "Today I stand and dare the army of Israel! Send one of your men to fight me!"

11 When Saul and the Israelites heard the Philistine's words, they were very scared.

1 Samuel 17:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 17

This chapter relates how the armies of Israel, and of the Philistines, prepared for battle, and where, 1Sa 17:1-3, describes a champion of the Philistines, who defied the armies of Israel, 1Sa 17:4-11, and while he was so doing, it informs us that David came into the camp, and he heard his words, and signified to one and another his inclination to fight with him, 1Sa 17:12-30, which being reported to Saul, David was sent for by him, and much discourse passed between them about it, 1Sa 17:31-37 when we are told the manner in which he engaged with the Philistine, and the victory he obtained over him, 1Sa 17:38-51 upon which the Philistines fled, and Israel pursued them; and on account of this action David was taken notice of by Saul, and brought to court again, as the following chapter shows, 1Sa 17:52-58.