1 Samuel 17:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he had an helmet {H3553} of brass {H5178} upon his head {H7218}, and he was armed {H3847} with a coat {H8302} of mail {H7193}; and the weight {H4948} of the coat {H8302} was five {H2568} thousand {H505} shekels {H8255} of brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he wore a bronze armor plate weighing 120 pounds.

Berean Standard Bible

and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:5 provides a meticulous description of Goliath's formidable armor, specifically detailing his brass helmet and the immense weight of his coat of mail. This vivid portrayal immediately establishes the Philistine champion's overwhelming physical might and military superiority, serving to underscore the extreme challenge he posed to the Israelite army and to heighten the dramatic tension before the iconic confrontation with David. The verse sets the stage for a narrative that will ultimately contrast human strength and reliance on material power with divine intervention and faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of an extended and deliberate description of Goliath, the Philistine champion, which begins in [1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Stature") and continues through [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear and Shield"). The narrative pauses to provide a detailed inventory of Goliath's physical attributes and weaponry before the actual challenge is issued in [1 Samuel 17:8-10](/1_samuel/17-8 "1 Samuel 17:8-10 - Goliath's Challenge"). This detailed exposition serves to magnify Goliath's imposing presence, creating a sense of dread and hopelessness among the Israelites, thereby emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable odds David would later face. The meticulous cataloging of his armor, particularly its weight, highlights the Philistine's reliance on brute force and advanced military technology, setting up a sharp contrast with David's humble appearance and reliance on God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Valley of Elah, a strategic border region between Philistine and Israelite territories, often a site of conflict. The Philistines were a technologically advanced people, particularly in metallurgy, possessing superior iron weaponry and armor compared to the Israelites, who were often reliant on bronze or less sophisticated armaments as noted in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Control of Iron"). The practice of "champion warfare," where two armies would send out their strongest warriors to fight in single combat to decide the outcome of a battle, was not uncommon in the ancient Near East. Goliath's elaborate armor, described in such detail, was not merely for protection but also served as a psychological weapon, a display of power and intimidation designed to demoralize the enemy before battle even began, aligning with the Philistine's military strategies.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description of Goliath's armor in this verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the David and Goliath account. Firstly, it underscores the **overwhelming human might** of Goliath, contrasting sharply with David's apparent weakness and lack of conventional weaponry. This sets up the central theme of **divine power triumphing over human strength**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where God uses the weak to shame the strong, as seen in passages like [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2-7 - Gideon's Reduced Army"). Secondly, the armor symbolizes **intimidation and fear**, effectively paralyzing the Israelite army and King Saul himself, highlighting the spiritual battle against fear and the need for faith. Finally, the sheer weight and protective nature of the armor serve as a stark representation of the **obstacles that appear insurmountable** from a human perspective, preparing the reader for the miraculous nature of David's victory, which will ultimately be attributed to the Lord of Hosts, not to human prowess or weaponry, a principle echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Helmet (Hebrew, כּוֹבַע, _kowa'_)**: This term refers to a protective head covering, typically made of metal. In the context of ancient warfare, a brass helmet would have been a significant piece of defensive equipment, indicating the wearer's status as a formidable warrior and providing crucial protection against blows to the head. Its mention here emphasizes Goliath's complete readiness for combat and his heavily armored state.
* **Coat of Mail (Hebrew, שִׁרְיוֹן, _shiryon_)**: This refers to a type of body armor, often made of overlapping scales or plates, designed to protect the torso. The use of "brass" (נְחֹשֶׁת, _nechoshet_) indicates a heavy, durable, and expensive material for the time. Such armor would have been exceptionally heavy and offered extensive protection, making Goliath virtually impervious to standard weaponry and underscoring his physical might required to wear it.
* **Five Thousand Shekels (Hebrew, חֲמֵשֶׁת אֲלָפִים שְׁקָלִים, _chameshet alafim shqal_im)**: A "shekel" was an ancient unit of weight, varying slightly but generally estimated around 11.5 grams (0.4 ounces). Therefore, 5,000 shekels of brass would weigh approximately 57.5 kilograms or about 127 pounds. This extraordinary weight for a single piece of armor is a crucial detail, not only emphasizing Goliath's massive physique and strength but also highlighting the sheer impossibility of any ordinary soldier confronting him. It signifies an unparalleled level of protection and offensive capability, making David's later victory all the more astonishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he had an helmet of brass upon his head":** This opening clause immediately establishes Goliath's defensive posture, beginning with his head, the most vulnerable part of a warrior. The material, "brass," denotes strength, durability, and perhaps a degree of technological superiority for the Philistines. The helmet is not merely protective but also contributes to his intimidating appearance, obscuring his face and presenting an unyielding figure.
* **"and he was armed with a coat of mail":** This further details Goliath's extensive body armor. The "coat of mail" (or scale armor) covered his torso, the largest target area, rendering him largely invulnerable to arrows or sword thrusts. This piece of equipment signifies a professional, heavily equipped warrior, far beyond the standard Israelite soldier of the time.
* **"and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass":** This final clause provides the most striking detail, quantifying the immense burden Goliath carried. The specific weight, 5,000 shekels (approximately 127 pounds or 57.5 kg), is staggering for a single piece of armor. This detail serves multiple purposes: it underscores Goliath's superhuman strength, explains the fear he instilled, and dramatically highlights the physical disparity between him and any potential challenger, setting the stage for David's unconventional and divinely empowered victory.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [1 Samuel 17:5](/1_samuel/17-5 "1 Samuel 17:5 - Goliath's Armor") employs several potent literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the exaggerated description of Goliath's armor, particularly the immense weight of his coat of mail. While the weight is likely accurate for a man of Goliath's described stature, the sheer numerical detail (5,000 shekels) functions to impress upon the reader the extraordinary, almost unbelievable, scale of the threat. This exaggeration heightens the drama and emphasizes the human impossibility of defeating him. **Symbolism** is also at play; Goliath's heavy, gleaming brass armor symbolizes human strength, military might, and reliance on material power. It represents the world's formidable obstacles and the overwhelming forces that seem impervious to ordinary human effort. Conversely, the armor's weight can also symbolize the burden of self-reliance and the futility of trusting in one's own strength against divine purposes. Finally, this detailed description serves as **Foreshadowing**. By meticulously detailing Goliath's overwhelming strength and protection, the narrative implicitly foreshadows the miraculous nature of David's victory, which will not be achieved through conventional military means but through divine intervention, thereby magnifying God's power and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous account of Goliath's armor in 1 Samuel 17:5 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of true strength and security. From a human perspective, Goliath's brass helmet and incredibly heavy coat of mail represent the epitome of invincibility, a reliance on physical might, advanced technology, and overwhelming display of power. However, the narrative of David and Goliath ultimately subverts this human-centric view, demonstrating that true victory does not come from superior weaponry or physical prowess, but from faith in the living God. This verse, therefore, sets up a profound contrast between the world's understanding of strength and God's. It teaches that what appears insurmountable in human terms is often precisely where God chooses to display His power, revealing that His strength is made perfect in weakness, and that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame, regardless of the "giants" they face.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Goliath's armor, described with such intimidating detail, stands as a vivid metaphor for the overwhelming challenges and "giants" we encounter in our lives—whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles, societal pressures, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as Goliath's physical might and impenetrable armor instilled fear and paralysis in the Israelite army, our own "giants" can often make us feel helpless and inadequate, leading us to rely on our own limited resources or to shrink back in despair. This verse calls us to look beyond the daunting external appearances of our challenges and to remember that true victory is not determined by the size of the foe or the strength of its defenses, but by the power of God. It reminds us that our confidence should not be placed in human might, clever strategies, or impressive resources, but in the Lord of Hosts, who is able to deliver us from any adversary, no matter how heavily armored. When faced with situations that seem too big to handle, we are encouraged to step forward in faith, knowing that God delights in using the seemingly weak and ill-equipped to demonstrate His extraordinary power, bringing glory to His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" in your life currently appear to be heavily "armored" and insurmountable?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or resources rather than God's power when facing these challenges?**
* **How does the detailed description of Goliath's armor encourage you to re-evaluate where you place your trust for victory?**
* **What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from the "armor" of your challenges to the omnipotence of God?**

### FAQ
**How heavy was Goliath's armor, and why is this detail important?**

Answer: Goliath's coat of mail weighed "five thousand shekels of brass." While the exact weight of an ancient shekel varied, common estimates place it around 11.5 grams (or about 0.4 ounces). Therefore, 5,000 shekels would translate to approximately 57.5 kilograms, or about 127 pounds. This is an extraordinarily heavy weight for a single piece of armor, even for a large man. This detail is crucial because it emphasizes Goliath's immense physical strength and massive physique, making him an almost superhuman figure. It highlights the sheer impossibility of any ordinary soldier challenging him through conventional means, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of David's eventual victory, which was clearly not achieved by human strength but by divine intervention, as highlighted in [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Declaration of Faith").

**Why is Goliath's armor described in such meticulous detail in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The meticulous description of Goliath's armor serves several key narrative and theological purposes. Firstly, it builds dramatic tension and underscores the overwhelming challenge he posed to the Israelite army. Every detail, from his brass helmet to the immense weight of his coat of mail, is designed to instill fear and dread, explaining why King Saul and his entire army were so terrified and paralyzed by his challenge, as seen in [1 Samuel 17:11](/1_samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:11 - Israel's Fear"). Secondly, it sets up a stark contrast between Goliath's reliance on physical might and impressive weaponry and David's later reliance on God's power and a simple sling and stone. This contrast is central to the theological message that God's power is made manifest through apparent weakness, and that victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength or military advantage, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by His Army").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Goliath, with his impenetrable armor and overwhelming might described in [1 Samuel 17:5](/1_samuel/17-5 "1 Samuel 17:5 - Goliath's Armor"), serves as a powerful Old Testament type for the seemingly insurmountable foes that humanity faces: sin, death, and the devil. Just as Goliath's armor rendered him impervious to conventional weapons, these spiritual enemies appear to hold humanity captive with an unbreakable grip. However, the narrative of David's victory, achieved not by human strength but by divine power, foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. Christ is the true and greater David, who confronted the "giants" of sin and death not with the armor of human might, but with the humility of the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities of darkness, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). He entered into the stronghold of death and, by His own death, destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, setting free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death, as explained in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death"). Thus, Goliath's armor, symbolizing the world's formidable, yet ultimately futile, defenses, points us to the glorious reality that in Christ, every spiritual "giant" has been decisively defeated, and we are called to stand firm in the victory He has already secured for us, clothed not in brass, but in the full armor of God, as exhorted in [Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Full Armor of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.