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.