1 samuel 17:7 - The staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. His shield bearer went before him.
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What does "1 samuel 17:7" mean?
This verse describes the sheer size and imposing presence of Goliath, the Philistine champion, just before his confrontation with David. Let's break it down:
"The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam..." A weaver's beam was a large, heavy wooden roller used in weaving to hold the warp threads. Comparing the spear's shaft to this object emphasizes its immense size and thickness. It wasn't just a regular spear; it was a massive, unwieldy weapon.
"...and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron." A shekel was a unit of weight. Six hundred shekels of iron was a considerable weight for a spearhead, likely several kilograms. This further illustrates Goliath's extraordinary strength, as he could wield such a heavy weapon. The exact weight in modern units would depend on the specific shekel used, but it was very significant.
"His shield bearer went before him." It was customary for warriors of high rank to have a shield bearer, whose job was to carry the heavy shield and protect the warrior from incoming attacks. This detail shows Goliath's status as a champion and his expected role as a combatant. Also, it implies a very large shield.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of Goliath as a giant warrior armed with exceptionally large and heavy weapons, highlighting his immense size, strength, and status as a fearsome opponent.
The purpose of this description is to set the stage for the dramatic contrast between Goliath's seemingly insurmountable power and David's humble appearance and unexpected victory. It emphasizes the unlikelihood of David's triumph and underscores the idea that God's power can work through the weak to overcome the strong.
1 samuel 17:7 - The staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. His shield bearer went before him.
What does "1 samuel 17:7" mean?
This verse describes the sheer size and imposing presence of Goliath, the Philistine champion, just before his confrontation with David. Let's break it down:
"The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam..." A weaver's beam was a large, heavy wooden roller used in weaving to hold the warp threads. Comparing the spear's shaft to this object emphasizes its immense size and thickness. It wasn't just a regular spear; it was a massive, unwieldy weapon.
"...and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron." A shekel was a unit of weight. Six hundred shekels of iron was a considerable weight for a spearhead, likely several kilograms. This further illustrates Goliath's extraordinary strength, as he could wield such a heavy weapon. The exact weight in modern units would depend on the specific shekel used, but it was very significant.
"His shield bearer went before him." It was customary for warriors of high rank to have a shield bearer, whose job was to carry the heavy shield and protect the warrior from incoming attacks. This detail shows Goliath's status as a champion and his expected role as a combatant. Also, it implies a very large shield.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of Goliath as a giant warrior armed with exceptionally large and heavy weapons, highlighting his immense size, strength, and status as a fearsome opponent.
The purpose of this description is to set the stage for the dramatic contrast between Goliath's seemingly insurmountable power and David's humble appearance and unexpected victory. It emphasizes the unlikelihood of David's triumph and underscores the idea that God's power can work through the weak to overcome the strong.