1 Samuel 17

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.

The Philistines, ready for war, assembled their forces at Shochoh, a place in Judah. They set up camp between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.

And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

Saul and his brave Israeli warriors assembled, their hearts pounding with anticipation, in the valley of Elah. There, they prepared to face the Philistines in a fierce battle.

And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.

The Philistines held their ground atop one hill, while Israel stood firm on another, with a deep valley of tension and anticipation separating them.

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

From the Philistine camp emerged a giant warrior named Goliath, from Gath, towering at a staggering height of six cubits and a span.

And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

He wore a brass helmet, his body shielded by a heavy coat of mail, its weight a staggering five thousand shekels.

And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.

He wore bronze shin guards on his legs and carried a bronze shield on his back.

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.

His spear was as thick as a loom's beam, its iron tip alone weighed nearly 15 pounds. A shield bearer always walked ahead of him.

And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.

He stood tall, his voice echoing across the battlefield to the Israeli soldiers, "Why have you come to fight? Am I not a Philistine, and aren't you loyal to Saul? Choose your bravest, let him face me."

If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.

If he can defeat and kill me, we will serve you. But if I conquer and kill him, you will serve us.

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

The Philistine declared, challenging the forces of Israel today, "Bring me a worthy opponent, let's battle it out."

When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

When Saul and the entire nation of Israel heard the Philistine's words, they were filled with overwhelming fear and deep dread.

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

David, the son of Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem, was one of eight brothers. Jesse, now an elderly man, lived during King Saul's reign.

And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

Jesse's three oldest sons, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, bravely joined Saul in the heat of battle.

And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.

David, the youngest of all, watched as his three older brothers loyally trailed behind Saul.

But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

David left Saul's side, his heart pulled him back to Bethlehem, to care for his father's flock with love and dedication.

And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.

The Philistine, with a daunting presence, approached each dawn and dusk, persistently showing up for forty long days.

And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp of thy brethren;

Jesse looked at his son David with a stern yet loving gaze, "David, take this sack of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread to your brothers at the camp, and hurry."

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

Take these ten cheeses to the commander, check on your brothers, and bring back proof they're okay.

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

Saul, his men, and all of Israel's warriors were engaged in a fierce battle against the Philistines in the heart of the Elah Valley.

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

Awakening at dawn, David entrusted his sheep to a guardian. Following Jesse's orders, he set off, his heart pounding with anticipation. He arrived at the battlefield just as the army was preparing to engage, his voice joining the battle cry.

For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.

Israel and the Philistines, filled with tension and anticipation, had drawn their armies up, ready for battle.

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

David left his supplies with the keeper of the baggage, then dashed towards the battle line and greeted his brothers.

And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

As he conversed with them, suddenly, the mighty warrior Goliath, a Philistine from Gath, emerged from their ranks. He repeated his challenge, and David heard every word.

And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

Every man of Israel, upon seeing the figure, was filled with fear, causing them to run away in terror.

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.

The men of Israel asked, "Have you seen this man who dares to challenge us? The one who defeats him will be greatly rewarded by the king - wealth, his daughter's hand in marriage, and his family freed from taxes and service in Israel."

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

David turned to the men near him, his voice filled with determination, "What reward awaits the one who defeats this Philistine, lifting the shame off Israel? Who does this disrespectful Philistine think he is, challenging the forces of the living God?"

And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

The crowd told him again, "That is what will be done for the man who kills him."

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

When Eliab, David's older brother, heard him talking to the men, he was filled with anger. "Why are you here?" he demanded. "Who's looking after your few sheep in the wilderness? I know your arrogance and the wickedness of your heart. You're here just to watch the battle, aren't you?"

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

David asked, "What did I do wrong now? I was only asking, wasn't I?"

And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

He shifted his attention to another, speaking in the same way. The crowd responded just as they had before.

And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.

David's words were overheard and reported to Saul, who sent for him.

And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

David reassured Saul, "Don't let anyone lose courage because of this giant. I, your humble servant, will bravely confront and battle this Philistine."

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Saul looked at David, his voice filled with concern, "David, you can't face this Philistine in battle. You're just a young boy, while he's been a seasoned warrior since his youth."

And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

David told Saul, "I was protecting my father's sheep when a lion and a bear attacked, stealing a lamb from our herd."

And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

I pursued him, struck him down, and freed the captive from his grasp. When he retaliated, I seized him by his beard, struck him again, and ended his life.

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

I, your humble servant, have conquered both the lion and the bear. This disrespectful Philistine, who dares to challenge the forces of the living God, will meet the same fate.

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

David confidently declared, "The same God who saved me from the deadly grip of the lion and bear, will surely rescue me from this Philistine." Saul, moved by his faith, replied, "Go, David, and may God be with you."

And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.

Saul, with a protective heart, equipped David with his own armor. He tenderly placed a brass helmet on David's head and draped him in a coat of mail, ensuring his safety.

And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

David strapped his sword over his armor, attempting to move. He hadn't tested it yet. Turning to Saul, David confessed, "I can't go in these, I haven't tested them." So, he removed them.

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

With determination in his heart, he grasped his staff firmly. He carefully selected five smooth stones from the stream, feeling their weight and coolness. He tucked them into his shepherd's bag, a familiar comfort. His sling, a symbol of his readiness, was held steady in his hand. With a deep breath, he bravely approached the Philistine.

And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.

The Philistine, brimming with arrogance, advanced towards David. His shield-bearer, filled with apprehension, led the way.

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

When the Philistine caught sight of David, he scoffed at him. He was just a young, rosy-cheeked boy with a handsome face.

And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

The Philistine scoffed at David, "Do you see me as a mere dog that you approach me with sticks?" Then he cursed David by his gods.

And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.

The Philistine taunted David, "Approach me, and I'll feed your body to the birds and wild animals."

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

David bravely faced the giant, saying, "You approach me with weapons, but I stand before you armed only with the power of God, the leader of Israel's armies, whom you've dared to challenge."

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

Today, God will hand you over to me. I will strike you down and cut off your head. The bodies of your army will be left for the birds and wild animals. This will show the world that there is a God in Israel.

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.

Everyone here will realize that God doesn't need weapons to save us. The fight is His, and He will deliver you to us.

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

As the Philistine advanced, David, filled with courage and determination, quickly rushed forward to confront him, ready to defend his people.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

David reached into his bag, his heart pounding. He pulled out a stone, feeling its weight in his hand. With a swift, determined motion, he hurled it at the Philistine. The stone hit its mark, sinking into the giant's forehead. The Philistine crumpled, face-first, to the ground.

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

With just a sling and a stone, David triumphed over the giant Philistine, striking him down. Yet, David held no sword.

Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

With a surge of courage, David charged, standing over the fallen Philistine. He seized the enemy's sword, unsheathing it with a swift motion. With a single, decisive strike, he ended the Philistine's life, severing his head. Witnessing their champion's defeat, fear gripped the Philistines and they scattered in retreat.

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

The brave men of Israel and Judah stood up, their voices echoing with courage as they chased the Philistines all the way to the valley and Ekron's gates. The injured Philistines collapsed along the path to Shaaraim, reaching as far as Gath and Ekron.

And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.

After pursuing the Philistines, the Israelites returned, victorious and triumphant, seizing the spoils from their abandoned camps.

And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

David, with a heart pounding in triumph, held the Philistine's severed head high as he journeyed to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the fallen enemy's armor lay quietly in his tent.

And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

When Saul saw David bravely confront the Philistine, he turned to his captain, Abner, and asked, "Abner, who is this young man's father?" Abner, with a hint of uncertainty, replied, "I swear on your life, my king, I do not know."

And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.

The king asked, "Who is the young boy's father?"

And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

After David's victorious battle against the Philistine, Abner escorted him to Saul, holding the defeated enemy's head as proof of their triumph.

And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

Saul questioned the youth, "Who is your father, young man?" David replied with humility, "I am the son of your servant, Jesse from Bethlehem."