The Best and Worst in Us

¹ The Philistines assembled their troops for war at Socoh of Judah. They camped between Socoh and Azekah at Ephes-dammim. ² Saul and the Israelite army assembled and camped in the Elah Valley, where they got organized to fight the Philistines. ³ The Philistines took positions on one hill while Israel took positions on the opposite hill. There was a valley between them. ⁴ A champion named Goliath from Gath came out from the Philistine camp. He was more than nine feet tall. ⁵ He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore bronze scale-armor weighing one hundred twenty-five pounds. ⁶ He had bronze plates on his shins, and a bronze scimitar hung on his back. ⁷ His spear shaft was as strong as the bar on a weaver’s loom, and its iron head weighed fifteen pounds. His shield-bearer walked in front of him. ⁸ He stopped and shouted to the Israelite troops, “Why have you come and taken up battle formations? I am the Philistine champion, and you are Saul’s servants. Isn’t that right? Select one of your men, and let him come down against me. ⁹ If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will become your slaves, but if I overcome him and kill him, then you will become our slaves and you will serve us. ¹⁰ I insult Israel’s troops today!” The Philistine continued, “Give me an opponent, and we’ll fight!” ¹¹ When Saul and all Israel heard what the Philistine said, they were distressed and terrified.