17The Philistines gathered their army together for war. They came to Socoh in Judah. They set up camp at Ephes Dammim. It was between Socoh and Azekah. ²Saul and the army of Israel gathered together. They camped in the Valley of Elah. They lined up their men to fight against the Philistines. ³The Philistine army was camped on one hill. Israel’s army was on another. The valley was between them.

⁴A mighty hero named Goliath came out of the Philistine camp. He was from Gath. He was more than nine feet tall. ⁵He had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a coat of bronze armor. It weighed 125 pounds. ⁶On his legs he wore bronze guards. He carried a bronze javelin on his back. ⁷His spear was as big as a weaver’s rod. Its iron point weighed 15 pounds. The man who carried his shield walked along in front of him.

⁸Goliath stood and shouted to the soldiers of Israel. He said, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? I’m a Philistine. You are servants of Saul. Choose one of your men. Have him come down and face me. ⁹If he’s able to fight and kill me, we’ll become your slaves. But if I win and kill him, you will become our slaves and serve us.” ¹⁰Goliath continued, “This very day I dare the soldiers of Israel to send a man down to fight against me.”

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