1 Samuel 17:7

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1 Samuel 17:7 provides a vivid, intimidating description of the Philistine champion Goliath's formidable weaponry, underscoring the immense physical challenge he posed to the Israelite army. This verse details the size and weight of his spear, a key element in establishing his fearsome reputation.

Context

This verse is part of the iconic narrative of David and Goliath, set during a standoff between the Philistines and the Israelites in the Valley of Elah. Goliath, a giant from Gath, had been issuing a daily challenge for forty days, daring an Israelite champion to single combat. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 17:4-6) describe his towering height, bronze armor, and other heavy equipment. Verse 7 specifically focuses on his primary weapon, painting a picture of overwhelming might designed to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.

Key Themes

  • Overwhelming Intimidation: The detailed description of Goliath's spear emphasizes his immense physical prowess and the sheer terror he inspired. His equipment was not just for combat but for psychological warfare, designed to make any opponent feel utterly outmatched.
  • Human vs. Divine Strength: This verse starkly contrasts Goliath's reliance on colossal physical power and sophisticated weaponry with the seemingly humble means David would later employ. It sets the stage for a demonstration that victory does not come by human might or material advantage, but by the Lord's power (see Zechariah 4:6).
  • Ancient Warfare and Technology: The description offers a glimpse into the scale of weaponry used by elite warriors in the ancient Near East, highlighting the craftsmanship and heavy materials involved in creating such implements of war.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam" translates the Hebrew menôr ’ōrəḡîm (מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים). A "weaver's beam" was a thick, heavy wooden roller used in a loom, typically quite substantial and robust. This comparison vividly communicates the spear shaft's extraordinary thickness and weight, suggesting it was more like a small tree trunk than a typical spear handle. The "six hundred shekels of iron" for the spear's head, approximately 15-20 pounds (about 6.8-9 kg), indicates an incredibly heavy and lethal weapon, far exceeding the weight of a standard spearhead. This detail further underscores Goliath's superhuman strength and the devastating impact his weapon could inflict.

Practical Application

Goliath, with his massive spear and intimidating presence, represents the "giants" we face in life – overwhelming challenges, fears, or adversaries that seem insurmountable. Just as Goliath relied on his physical might and weaponry, we often look to our own resources, intellect, or material possessions to overcome difficulties. However, the story of David and Goliath reminds us that true victory comes 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 facing 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, just as David demonstrated against Goliath's formidable display (see 1 Samuel 17:45).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back