1 Samuel 17

The Philistines gather together against Israel at Ephes-dammim, and Saul and his men pitch their camp near the valley of Elah, 1 Samuel 17:1-3 . Goliath of Gath, a gigantic man, whose height was six cubits and a span, defies the armies of Israel, and proposes to end all contests by single combat; his armor is described, 1 Samuel 17:4-11 . Saul and his host are greatly dismayed, 1 Samuel 17:12 . David, having been sent by his father with provisions to his brethren in the army, hears the challenge, inquires into the circumstances, thinks it a reproach to Israel that no man can be found to accept the challenge, is brought before Saul, and proposes to undertake the combat, vv. 13-32. Saul objects to his youth and inexperience, 1 Samuel 17:33 . David shows the grounds on which he undertakes it, 1 Samuel 17:34-37 . Saul arms him with his own armor: but David, finding them an encumbrance, puts them off, and takes his staff, his sling, and five stones out of the brook, and goes to meet Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:38-40 . The Philistine draws near, despises, defies, and curses him, 1 Samuel 17:41-44 . David retorts his defiance, 1 Samuel 17:45-47 . They draw near to each other, and David slings a stone, hits Goliath in the forehead, slays him, and cuts off his head with his own sword, 1 Samuel 17:48-51 . The Philistines flee, and are pursued by the Israelites, 1 Samuel 17:52 , 1 Samuel 17:53 . David brings the head of the Philistine to Jerusalem, 1 Samuel 17:54 . Conversation between Saul and Abner concerning David, who is in consequence brought before Saul, 1 Samuel 17:55-58 .