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