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.
8. Goliath stood and shouted at the Israelites, “What are you doing there, lined up for battle? I am a Philistine, you slaves of Saul! Choose one of your men to fight me.