1 Samuel 17:1-11

1The Philistines assembled their armies for war. They assembled at Socoh, which is in Judah, and camped between Socoh and Azekah at Ephes Dammim.

2So Saul and the army of Israel assembled and camped in the Elah Valley. They formed a battle line to fight the Philistines.

3The Philistines were stationed on a hill on one side, and the Israelites were stationed on a hill on the other side. There was a ravine between the two of them.

4The Philistine army’s champion came out of their camp. His name was Goliath from Gath. He was ten feet tall.

5He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he wore a bronze coat of armor scales weighing 125 pounds.

6On his legs he had bronze shin guards and on his back a bronze javelin.

7The shaft of his spear was like the beam used by weavers. The head of his spear was made of 15 pounds of iron. The man who carried his shield walked ahead of him.

8Goliath stood and called to the Israelites, “Why do you form a battle line? Am I not a Philistine, and aren’t you Saul’s servants? Choose a man, and let him come down to ⌞fight⌟ me.

9If he can fight me and kill me, then we will be your slaves. But if I overpower him and kill him, then you will be our slaves and serve us.”

10The Philistine added, “I challenge the Israelite battle line today. Send out a man so that we can fight each other.”

11When Saul and all the Israelites heard what this Philistine said, they were gripped with fear.