1. The Philistines gathered their armies for war. They met at Socoh in Judah and camped at Ephes Dammim between Socoh and Azekah.
2. Saul and the Israelites gathered in the Valley of Elah and camped there and took their positions to fight the Philistines.
3. The Philistines controlled one hill while the Israelites controlled another. The valley was between them.
4. The Philistines had a champion fighter from Gath named Goliath. He was about nine feet, four inches tall. He came out of the Philistine camp
5. with a bronze helmet on his head and a coat of bronze armor that weighed about one hundred twenty-five pounds.
6. He wore bronze protectors on his legs, and he had a bronze spear on his back.