The Hebrew text refers to Goliath as the Philistine both at the beginning of the verse and at the end. For reasons of English style Good News Translation says “Goliath” and “him.” Perhaps the Hebrew and Revised Standard Version suggest more strongly than does Good News Translation that Goliath was indeed the enemy.

The use of the verb arose is not intended to suggest that Goliath had sat down at some point previously in the narrative. Rather it indicates that he began to take action. See the comments on this use of the verb “arise” at 9.3 and in the discussion of serial verbs, page 20 and following.

Came and drew near: see the comments at verse 41.

Since there were two sides to the battle line, Good News Translation makes it clear that David was running toward the “Philistine battle line” in order to do battle with Goliath.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .