<P> Goliath is described in the biblical Book of Samuel as a Philistine giant defeated by the young David in single combat . The story signified Saul's unfitness to rule, as Saul himself should have fought for the Kingdom of Israel . </P> <P> The phrase "David and Goliath" (or "David versus Goliath") has taken on a more popular meaning, denoting an underdog situation, a contest where a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much bigger, stronger adversary . </P> <P> Saul and the Israelites are facing the Philistines in the Valley of Elah . Twice a day for 40 days, morning and evening, Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, comes out between the lines and challenges the Israelites to send out a champion of their own to decide the outcome in single combat, but Saul is afraid . David, bringing food for his elder brothers, hears that Goliath has defied the armies of God and of the reward from Saul to the one that defeats him, and accepts the challenge . Saul reluctantly agrees and offers his armor, which David declines, taking only his staff, sling and five stones from a brook . </P> <P> David and Goliath confront each other, Goliath with his armor and javelin, David with his staff and sling . "The Philistine cursed David by his gods", but David replies: "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that God saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is God's, and he will give you into our hand ." </P>

Characters in the story of david and goliath
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