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“To Jehovah Belongs the Battle”The Watchtower—1989 | January 1
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1, 2. (a) What challenge faces the army of Israel under the command of King Saul? (b) How do the men of the army of Israel react to Goliath’s challenge, and who now appears on the scene?
TWO mighty armies confront each other across the valley of Elah, southwest of Jerusalem. On one side is the army of Israel, led by the fearful King Saul. On the other side is the Philistine army with its gigantic champion, Goliath. Likely, Goliath’s name means “Conspicuous.” He is some nine feet [2.7 m] tall and is armed to the hilt. Goliath is shouting blasphemous defiance at Israel.—1 Samuel 17:1-11.
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“To Jehovah Belongs the Battle”The Watchtower—1989 | January 1
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3. How does David equip himself for battle, but how is Goliath equipped?
3 On hearing Goliath “taunt the battle lines of the living God,” David offers himself to fight the giant. When Saul consents, David sallies forth but not with the traditional armor and weapons offered by Saul. He is equipped only with a staff, a sling, and five smooth stones—in contrast with Goliath, who is carrying a spear with a 15-pound [7 kg] head and wearing a 126-pound [57 kg] copper coat of mail! As the mighty Goliath and his shield bearer advance, ‘the Philistine calls down evil upon David by his gods.’—1 Samuel 17:12-44.
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