1 Samuel 17:1-7

1 The Philistines gathered for battle in Socoh, a town in Judah; they camped at a place called Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah.

2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in Elah Valley, where they got ready to fight the Philistines.

3 The Philistines lined up on one hill and the Israelites on another, with a valley between them.

4 A man named Goliath, from the city of Gath, came out from the Philistine camp to challenge the Israelites. He was over nine feet tall

5 and wore bronze armor that weighed about 125 pounds and a bronze helmet.

6 His legs were also protected by bronze armor, and he carried a bronze javelin slung over his shoulder.

7 His spear was as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom, and its iron head weighed about fifteen pounds. A soldier walked in front of him carrying his shield.

1 Samuel 17:1-7 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Hebrew] nine feet; [one ancient Hebrew manuscript and one ancient translation] seven feet.