What is the context?
The Philistines and Israelites face each other across the Valley of Elah. Goliath comes forward from the Philistine camp with imposing armor, weapons and a shield-bearer. The extended description helps us feel the danger before anyone agrees to fight him.
The Hebrew phrase behind champion is אִישׁ הַבֵּנַיִם, ish habbenayim (eesh hah-beh-NAH-yim). Brown–Driver–Briggs explains it as the man of the space between two armies. Goliath steps into that space and proposes that one man from each side decide the outcome.
His terms concern far more than personal honor: the losing side will serve the winner. He defies Israel and demands an opponent. Saul and the people are dismayed and afraid. The king they wanted to fight their battles is facing a challenge from which the whole army shrinks.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley and Henry place the army’s fear within the larger question of dependence on God. An impressive king and previous victories do not make the people self-sufficient. Gill explains Goliath’s title in terms of standing between the armies or offering a duel, consistent with the scene’s stated challenge.
There is a difference in the ancient copies over Goliath’s height. The USCCB study notes report four cubits and a span in the Greek text and a Dead Sea Scroll, alongside the six-cubit reading used here in the BSB. Whatever reading is considered, the account describes a formidable opponent and sets his visible strength against the trust in God that David will show.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.