Goliath’s Challenge

Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah vvv in Ephes-dammim. 2 Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.

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The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another with the valley between them.

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Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,[fn] 5 and [he had] a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels,[fn] 6 and [he had] armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point [weighed] six hundred shekels.[fn] In addition, his shield bearer went before him.

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And [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. 9 If 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.”

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Then the Philistine said,“I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight

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On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

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