1 The Philistines gathered for battle in Socoh, a town in Judah; they camped at a place called Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah.
2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, where they got ready to fight the Philistines.
3 The Philistines lined up on one hill and the Israelites on another, with a valley between them.
4 A man named Goliath, from the city of Gath, came out from the Philistine camp to challenge the Israelites. He was nearly three metres tall
5 and wore bronze armour that weighed about 57 kilogrammes and a bronze helmet.
6 His legs were also protected by bronze armour, and he carried a bronze javelin slung over his shoulder.
7 His spear was as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom, and its iron head weighed about seven kilogrammes. A soldier walked in front of him carrying his shield.