Definition: And the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 17:7. It's a really interesting and dramatic description of David’s battle readiness! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, David was incredibly prepared for a huge fight. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The staff of his spear [was] like a weaver’s beam” : This is comparing David’s spear to a very strong and long wooden beam. Think of it like a sturdy pole used for weaving. It was designed to be incredibly powerful. “and his spear’s head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron” : This tells us the spear had a massive weight – about 600 pounds (roughly 270 kilograms). Six hundred shekels (coins in ancient Israel) is a significant amount of metal. “and one bearing a shield went before him” : This is the crucial part. One of David’s spears had a shield attached to it. This shield was huge . It weighed even more than the spear! So, the whole picture is that David's spear was incredibly strong and heavy, with a huge shield attached to it. Why was this important? This description highlights David’s immense skill and preparedness in battle. It shows he wasn’t just a good warrior; he was strategically prepared for a very challenging encounter. It emphasized his dedication and the power of his plan. In short, it's a vivid image of a highly-equipped and powerful warrior ready to fight. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this detail is significant? Give an example of how this description might have been used in a story or narrative?