The Philistines have more than recovered from their defeat at the hands of Saul (vv 13-14). Now, twenty some years later they have a not so secret weapon. The weapon’s name is Goliath.

To this day the valley of Elah is a completely open area, no buildings in sight. On that day it was crawling with Philistines, horses and Israelites!

Jesse must have been anxious, he had three sons in the army at a time when King Saul was becoming increasingly unfit for his role and the enemy seemed invincible.