Goliath’s Challenge
The Philistines and Israelites gather on opposing hills in battle formation, with the Valley of Elah lying between them. The scene is set as a standoff waiting for a decisive move.
N1ow the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. 2Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. 3The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them.
Goliath emerges from the Philistine camp as a heavily armed champion whose height and armor mark him as overwhelming. Every detail of his equipment adds to the sense of threat.
4Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, 5and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, 6and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him.
Goliath calls for a single Israelite to fight on behalf of the nation and openly defies Israel's ranks. Saul and all Israel hear him and sink into fear.
8And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. 9If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.” 10Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” 11On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.