1 Samuel 17:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The shaft of his spear was like a weaver 's beam, and his spear 's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.

NIV: His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

NASB: The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-carrier walked in front of him.

CSB: His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed fifteen pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him.

NLT: The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.

KJV: And the staff 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.

NKJV: Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him.

The Philistines have amassed an army against Israel. Their champion has come to challenge the Israelites to single man combat to determine the battle (1 Samuel 17:1–4). This champion—Goliath of Gath—is massive and clad with impressive protective armor. He also carries a javelin of bronze (1 Samuel 17:5–6).

This outrageously large Philistine also brings a spear described to resemble "a weaver's beam." Ancient weaving was often done by hanging threads from a thick, round pole. Goliath's spear is bigger—probably in all dimensions—than the spears other men carry. This incident occurred at the beginning of the "Iron Age," so his weapon is not only large, but it also uses the best materials and technology available at the time.

Goliath is accompanied by a man who carries his shield into battle ahead of him. This was probably a "standing shield"—essentially a small movable wall which a shield-bearer adjusted during combat. The overall picture of Goliath is one of a highly imposing warrior who is protected by the best possible armor and prepared to attack with the latest weaponry. He would have been a terrifying sight to see, even before he started taunting the Israelites.

First Samuel 17:1–11 introduces a Philistine champion called Goliath. The armies of Israel and Philistia face off across a valley. Goliath is massive, towering over every other warrior, with gigantic weapons to match. Day after day (1 Samuel 17:16), he taunts the Israelite army. Goliath dares them to send their own champion to face him in single combat; the winner will determine which army is victorious. The Israelite soldiers are too intimidated to fight.

David, delivering food to his brothers at the Israelite army camp, hears the Philistine Goliath's defiant challenge. Single man combat could decide the battle, but no Israelite wanted to face the massive warrior. David is appalled that a Philistine would defy the armies of the living God. He volunteers to fight, and King Saul agrees. Before the battle, David declares that the Lord will give victory and thereby show the world that there is a God in Israel. David quickly kills and beheads Goliath. The Israelites chase the Philistines back to their own territory and plunder their camp. David brings Goliath's head to Saul.

Saul was made king of Israel (1 Samuel 9—10) and had many early successes (1 Samuel 11—14). However, his disobedience resulted in God's plan for a different king (1 Samuel 15). The prophet Samuel anointed David as this future monarch (1 Samuel 16:11–13). David has been serving as a musician for Saul (1 Samuel 16:18–21) and comes visit his brothers during a standoff between Israelite and Philistine forces. This leads to the famous story of David and Goliath. David's victory publicly triggers his rise to power, paralleled by Saul's collapse. In the end, Saul will die in disgrace (1 Samuel 31:4–7) and David will be appointed the new king of Israel (1 Samuel 2:45:1–3).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.