1 Samuel 17:1-11 - The Philistine Champion Taunts Israel

¹ The Philistines got ready for war and brought their troops together to attack the town of Socoh in Judah. They set up camp at Ephes-Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah. ² Saul and the men of Israel came together and took up their position in the valley of Elah. They drew up in battle array against the Philistines.

³ The Philistines were stationed on the mountain on one side. Israel was on the mountain on the other side. There was a valley between them. ⁴ A fighter came out from the tents of the Philistines. His name was Goliath of Gath. He was over nine feet tall. ⁵ He had a headdress of copper on his head. He was dressed in a coat of metal that weighed one hundred twenty five pounds. ⁶ He had copper shin guards on his legs and on his back a copper javelin. ⁷ The shaft of his spear was like the beam used by weavers. The head of his spear was made of fifteen pounds of iron. The man who carried his shield walked ahead of him.

⁸ Goliath stood and called to the Israelites: Why do you form a battle line? Am I not a Philistine? Are you Saul's servants? Choose a man, and let him come down to fight me. ⁹ If he can fight me and kill me we will be your slaves. But if I overpower him and kill him you will be our slaves and serve us. ¹⁰ The Philistine added: I challenge the Israelite battle line today. Send out a man so we can fight each other. ¹¹ Saul and all the Israelites were overcome with fear when they heard what this Philistine said.