1 Samuel 17:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the staff {H6086}{H2671} of his spear {H2595} was like a weaver's {H707} beam {H4500}; and his spear's {H2595} head {H3852} weighed six {H8337} hundred {H3967} shekels {H8255} of iron {H1270}: and one bearing {H5375} a shield {H6793} went {H1980} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The shaft of his spear was as big as a weaver's beam, and the iron spearhead weighed fifteen pounds. His shield-bearer went ahead of him.

Berean Standard Bible

The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him.

American Standard Version

And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:7 offers a chilling and meticulously detailed description of the Philistine champion Goliath's formidable weaponry, particularly his spear, underscoring the immense physical and psychological challenge he posed to the Israelite army. This vivid portrayal of his overwhelming might serves to magnify the sheer terror he inspired and to set a dramatic stage for the seemingly impossible confrontation that would follow, highlighting the stark contrast between human strength and divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the iconic narrative of David and Goliath, specifically detailing Goliath's terrifying appearance and equipment. Following a general description of his immense stature and bronze armor in [1 Samuel 17:4-6](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4-6 - Goliath's Imposing Stature"), verse 7 zeroes in on his primary weapon, the spear. This detailed focus on his weaponry amplifies the sense of dread and hopelessness felt by the Israelite army, who, for forty days, had been paralyzed by Goliath's daily challenge. The narrative meticulously builds the Philistine's overwhelming presence to underscore the magnitude of the faith and courage required to face him, thereby elevating the significance of David's eventual, unexpected victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The standoff between the Philistines and Israelites in the Valley of Elah was a common scenario in the ancient Near East, where territorial disputes often led to pitched battles. The Philistines, originating from the Aegean region, were formidable warriors, known for their advanced iron technology and military organization, which gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites, who were still largely dependent on bronze. The practice of single combat, or champion warfare, as proposed by Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:8-9](/1_samuel/17-8 "1 Samuel 17:8-9 - Goliath's Challenge"), was a recognized, albeit less common, method to resolve conflicts and minimize casualties. Goliath's elaborate and heavy weaponry, including his spear and shield-bearer, signifies his status as an elite, heavily armed warrior, designed not only for combat but also for psychological intimidation, a crucial element of ancient warfare.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description of Goliath's spear and equipment in this verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Overwhelming Intimidation**, showcasing Goliath's reliance on sheer physical prowess and superior weaponry to instill fear and demoralize his opponents, thereby avoiding direct combat. Secondly, it starkly contrasts **Human Strength vs. Divine Power**, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration that victory does not come by human might, military advantage, or impressive weaponry, but by the Lord's power, as later articulated by David in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's"). This prepares the reader for the seemingly impossible triumph of a young shepherd over a seasoned giant. Lastly, it offers a glimpse into **Ancient Warfare and Technology**, illustrating the scale and sophistication of weaponry used by elite warriors in the ancient Near East, emphasizing the craftsmanship and heavy materials involved in creating such implements of war.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weaver's beam (Hebrew, _menôr ’ōrəḡîm'_):** This comparison is crucial for understanding the spear's immense size. A "weaver's beam" was a thick, heavy wooden roller, typically about 6-8 inches in diameter and several feet long, used in a loom to wind the warp threads. By comparing the spear staff to such an object, the text vividly conveys its extraordinary thickness, weight, and unwieldiness, implying it was more akin to a small tree trunk than a conventional spear handle. This detail immediately establishes Goliath's superhuman strength and the sheer scale of his weaponry.
* **six hundred shekels of iron (Hebrew, _shesh mē’ôt shəqālîm barzel'_):** A shekel was a unit of weight, and six hundred shekels of iron would equate to approximately 15-20 pounds (about 6.8-9 kilograms). To put this in perspective, a typical Roman javelin head weighed only a few ounces. This incredibly heavy spearhead indicates a weapon of immense destructive potential, capable of delivering devastating blows. It further emphasizes Goliath's extraordinary physical power, as only a warrior of his colossal stature and strength could wield such a weapon effectively in battle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam":** This opening clause immediately establishes the spear's monstrous proportions through a powerful simile. The comparison to a "weaver's beam" is not merely descriptive but evocative, painting a mental image of a weapon so thick and heavy that it defies normal human handling. It communicates Goliath's immense physical power and the sheer intimidation factor of his presence, suggesting that his weapon alone was a force of nature.
* **"and his spear's head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron":** This clause provides a specific, quantifiable detail that reinforces the previous simile. The weight of the spearhead (approximately 15-20 pounds) is staggering for a weapon designed to be thrown or thrust. This detail underscores the lethality of Goliath's spear and the extraordinary strength required to wield it, further solidifying his reputation as an unparalleled warrior whose very equipment was a testament to his overwhelming might.
* **"and one bearing a shield went before him":** This final clause adds another layer to Goliath's formidable presentation. The presence of a shield-bearer (or armor-bearer) was customary for elite warriors in ancient armies, particularly those wielding heavy, two-handed weapons or needing protection while reloading. This detail signifies Goliath's high status, his meticulous preparation for battle, and the comprehensive nature of his military setup. It also implies that Goliath himself was so focused on wielding his massive spear that he required an assistant to manage his primary defensive equipment, further contributing to his aura of invincibility and the psychological pressure on his opponents.

#### Literary Devices
The description of Goliath's spear in 1 Samuel 17:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey the Philistine's overwhelming presence. The most prominent is **Simile**, specifically in the phrase "the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam." This comparison to a common, yet substantial, object immediately communicates the spear's extraordinary size and weight, allowing the audience to visualize its immense proportions. This vivid imagery contributes to the overall sense of **Hyperbole**, as the description of the spear's staff and its 600-shekel head pushes the boundaries of typical weaponry, exaggerating Goliath's formidable nature to emphasize the seemingly insurmountable odds facing the Israelites. The detailed, intimidating portrayal also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting up the dramatic contrast with David's humble sling and stones. By meticulously detailing Goliath's physical and material superiority, the text prepares the reader for a narrative where victory will clearly not be achieved by conventional strength, thereby magnifying the display of divine power through an unlikely champion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The depiction of Goliath's spear, a weapon of immense size and weight, serves as a powerful theological metaphor for the overwhelming challenges and spiritual adversaries that often confront God's people. Just as Goliath relied on his imposing physical presence and superior weaponry, humanity often trusts in its own strength, resources, or worldly advantages to navigate life's battles. However, this verse, in the broader context of David's triumph, profoundly illustrates that true victory is not determined by the size of the opposition or the might of one's own resources, but by the power and faithfulness of God. It reminds us that God delights in using the weak and unassuming to confound the strong and mighty, demonstrating that the battle truly belongs to the Lord. This principle encourages believers to look beyond intimidating circumstances and place their trust in the divine, rather than human, might.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Weapons")
* [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Armor of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Goliath, with his massive spear and intimidating presence, represents the "giants" we face in life – overwhelming challenges, fears, spiritual adversaries, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that appear utterly unconquerable. Just as Goliath relied on his colossal physical might and sophisticated weaponry, we often look to our own resources, intellect, material possessions, or worldly strategies to overcome difficulties. However, the story of David and Goliath, underscored by the detailed description in 1 Samuel 17:7, serves as a profound reminder that true victory and deliverance come not from the size of our problems or the strength of our enemies, but from trusting in a power far greater than our own. When confronted with seemingly impossible odds, this verse encourages us to remember that God is able to deliver us, even when our adversaries appear overwhelmingly equipped and powerful. It calls us to shift our gaze from the imposing "spear" of our challenges to the unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence of God, who often chooses to work through the most unlikely means to display His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable challenges are you facing today, and how might Goliath's intimidating display resonate with your own fears?**
* **How does the description of Goliath's weaponry challenge your understanding of where true strength lies in spiritual warfare?**
* **In what practical ways can you shift your reliance from your own resources or perceived strengths to God's power when confronted with overwhelming odds?**

### FAQ
**Why is Goliath's spear described in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed description of Goliath's spear in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear") serves multiple crucial purposes within the narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes his immense physical power and formidable status as a warrior, making him a truly terrifying adversary. The comparison to a "weaver's beam" and the specific weight of the spearhead (six hundred shekels of iron) are designed to create a vivid mental image of an overwhelming, almost superhuman, threat. Secondly, this detailed portrayal is a literary device intended to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the seemingly impossible odds facing the Israelites. By making Goliath appear utterly invincible through his equipment, the text magnifies the faith and courage of David, who would later face him with only a sling and stones. Ultimately, it sets a stark contrast between human might and divine power, preparing the reader for a demonstration that victory comes from God, not from superior weaponry or physical prowess, as David himself declares in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The formidable figure of Goliath, with his overwhelming weaponry described in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear"), serves as a powerful Old Testament type foreshadowing the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as Goliath stood as an unconquerable champion, paralyzing Israel with fear and seemingly holding them captive, these spiritual adversaries held humanity in bondage. David, the humble shepherd, stepping forward with seemingly inadequate means but empowered by God, prefigures Jesus Christ, the true and greater Son of David. Christ, through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, confronted the ultimate "giant" of sin and death. He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Where Goliath's spear represented overwhelming might designed to intimidate and destroy, Christ's victory was achieved not through worldly power, but through self-sacrificial love and obedience, thereby destroying the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Destroying the Power of Death")). Thus, Goliath's defeat by David, a victory secured by God's power through an unlikely champion, points forward to the decisive and eternal victory of Christ over all the forces of darkness, securing freedom and salvation for all who believe ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")).

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.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 21:19

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam.

1 Samuel 17:41

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

1 Chronicles 11:23

And he slew an Egyptian, a man of [great] stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand [was] a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

1 Chronicles 20:5

And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam.