1 Samuel 17:1

CHAPTER XVII

The Philistines gather together against Israel at Ephes-dammim,

and Saul and his men pitch their camp near the valley of Elah,

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 armour is described, 4-11.

Saul and his host are greatly dismayed, 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, 13-32.

Saul objects to his youth and inexperience, 33.

David shows the grounds on which he undertakes it, 34-37.

Saul arms him with his own armour: 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,

38-40.

The Philistine draws near, despises, defies, and curses him,

41-44.

David retorts his defiance, 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, 48-51.

The Philistines flee, and are pursued by the Israelites, 52, 53.

David brings the head of the Philistine to Jerusalem, 54.

Conversation between Saul and Abner concerning David, who is in

consequence brought before Saul, 55-58.

NOTES ON CHAP. XVII

Verse 1 Samuel 17:1. Now the Philistines gathered together] Calmet thinks that this war happened eight years after the anointing of David, and ten or twelve years after the war with the Amalekites. We have already seen that there was war between Saul and the Philistines all his days. See 1 Samuel 14:52.

Shochoh and Azekah] Places which lay to the south of Jerusalem and to the west of Bethlehem; about five leagues from the former. Ephes-dammim was somewhere in the vicinity, but it is not known where. See Calmet.