1 Samuel 17: 4-7: The Giant Philistine and the Young David
The Giant of Gath
In 1 Samuel 17:4-7, we are introduced to a giant of a man, Goliath, the Philistine warrior from Gath. The Bible describes him as a giant, standing over 9 feet tall, making him an imposing figure on the battlefield.
The Philistine Champion
The Philistines, long-standing enemies of the Israelites, had been taunting the armies of Israel, and Goliath was their champion. He was a skilled warrior, and his size and strength made him a formidable opponent.
The Armor of Goliath
Goliath's armor was impressive, to say the least. He wore a bronze helmet, and his coat of mail weighed around 125 pounds. His spear was gigantic, with an iron point weighing around 15 pounds. The Bible says that the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, giving us an idea of its size and strength.
The Fear of the Israelites
The Israelite army was terrified of Goliath and the Philistines. They were afraid to face him in battle, and their fear paralyzed them. It seemed as though no one was brave enough to take on the giant warrior.
The Stage is Set
The stage was set for a monumental clash between the Philistines and the Israelites. Goliath, the giant warrior, was ready to take on all comers. But little did he know, a young shepherd boy named David, who would soon become the hero of the Israelites, was watching from the sidelines, waiting for his chance to take on the giant.
Scripture Reference:
1 Samuel 17:4-7
4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 And he had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 And he had greaves of bronze upon his legs, and a javelin of bronze between his shoulders. 7 And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
