9. If he beats me in combat and kills me, we will be your vassals; but if I beat him and kill him, you shall be our vassals and serve us.”
10. The Philistine continued: “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Give me a man and let us fight together.”
11. When Saul and all Israel heard this challenge of the Philistine, they were stunned and terrified.
12. David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse from Bethlehem in Judah who had eight sons. In the days of Saul Jesse was old and well on in years.
13. The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to war; the names of these three sons who had gone off to war were Eliab the firstborn; Abinadab the second; and Shammah the third.
14. David was the youngest. While the three oldest had joined Saul,
15. David would come and go from Saul’s presence to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
16. Meanwhile the Philistine came forward and took his stand morning and evening for forty days.
17. Now Jesse said to his son David: “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves for your brothers, and bring them quickly to your brothers in the camp.
18. Also take these ten cheeses for the field officer. Greet your brothers and bring home some token from them.
19. Saul and your brothers, together with all Israel, are at war with the Philistines in the valley of the Elah.”