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The Bible <ref>{{Bible ref|book=I_Samuel|chap=17|verses=1-58|version=KJV}}</ref> describes in detail the one event for which any historical record survives. Goliath joined the combined Philistine army at [[Succoth]], in either 1063 BC ([[James Ussher|Ussher]]) or 1018 BC ([[Edwin R. Thiele|Thiele]]). The armies of King [[Saul]] camped at [[Elah]], on the far side of a valley. Thus each army commanded a mountain on each side of this valley.

The Bible <ref>{{Bible ref|book=I_Samuel|chap=17|verses=1-58|version=KJV}}</ref> describes in detail the one event for which any historical record survives. Goliath joined the combined Philistine army at [[Succoth]], in either 1063 BC ([[James Ussher|Ussher]]) or 1018 BC ([[Edwin R. Thiele|Thiele]]). The armies of King [[Saul]] camped at [[Elah]], on the far side of a valley. Thus each army commanded a mountain on each side of this valley.

Neither side wanted to take the initiative and bring the other to battle. So, presumably on the orders of the high king of the Philistines, Goliath walked into the valley and challenged the [[Israelite]]s to send out a champion to fight him. Whichever champion won the combat would win the day.

Neither side wanted to take the initiative and bring the other to battle. So, presumably on the orders of the high king of the Philistines, Goliath walked into the valley and challenged the [[Israelite]]s to "single combat"<ref>In single combat, each side selects one man -- usually its top warrior -- and the two fight to the death, whereby the losing side agrees to be subservient to the winning side.</ref>.

Goliath probably placed as much faith in his own tremendous size as in the Philistine pantheon. In any event, he waited for forty days for a champion to emerge. But at the sight of the slender, red-cheeked youth who appeared before him—one who, furthermore, wore no armor at all!--he evidently did not know whether to howl with laughter or with rage.<blockquote>Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?<ref>{{Bible ref|book=I_Samuel|chap=17|verses=43|version=KJV}}</ref></blockquote>This was in reference to the sight of this young lad carrying a shepherd's staff and a small leather satchel slung over one shoulder, and with no other weapons. The sight was probably deeply insulting. That Goliath meant to return insult for insult is evident because, in Goliath's day, [[dog]]s were strays, scavengers, and far less friendly to mankind than they are today.

Goliath probably placed as much faith in his own tremendous size as in the Philistine pantheon. In any event, he waited for forty days for a champion to emerge. But at the sight of the slender, red-cheeked youth who appeared before him—one who, furthermore, wore no armor at all!--he evidently did not know whether to howl with laughter or with rage.<blockquote>Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?<ref>{{Bible ref|book=I_Samuel|chap=17|verses=43|version=KJV}}</ref></blockquote>This was in reference to the sight of this young lad carrying a shepherd's staff and a small leather satchel slung over one shoulder, and with no other weapons. The sight was probably deeply insulting. That Goliath meant to return insult for insult is evident because, in Goliath's day, [[dog]]s were strays, scavengers, and far less friendly to mankind than they are today.