1 Samuel 17:11

They were dismayed. In ch. 2:10 this same verb form is translated, “broken to pieces.” The primary meaning is “to be shattered,” in reference to either a mental or physical state. Here Saul, an egotistical despot, was confronted by another braggart, and knew not what to do. Furthermore, Saul was a giant among his own people, and was the logical one to accept the challenge. He stood head and shoulders above his fellows and had a bronze helmet and coat of mail (v. 38), yet trembled before Goliath. Although he had forfeited the presence and protection of the Spirit of God, he realized that he must win this stalemate or lose face with his people. His spirit was broken, his conscience troubled him, and he realized that the dilemma in which he had placed himself and his army was becoming more difficult with every passing hour. The length of the deep ravine running through the Valley of Elah could not be more than a few miles. This would indicate that the contending armies were not very large, or before a month had passed one side or the other would have made a flanking movement around the ends of the valley.