1 Samuel 17:6 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.

Greaves of brass - boots for the defence of the leg, rising to nearly the knee, and without feet, terminating at the ankle, made of bull's hide leather, wood, or in one plate of metal, but rounded to the shape of the leg, and often lined with felt or sponge. Some of the ancient greaves, however, did not come so far up as the knee. They frequently were made to open behind, and were fastened by buttons, buckles, or ties to the leg. More rarely the lacing was in front. The object contemplated in the wearing of this defensive armour was to protect the calf, rather than the shin; and hence, in time of battle, they with sometimes worn only on the left leg, which, with the left side, was commonly the parts of the body most exposed in action, on account of the buckler being worn on the left arm. They were useful in guarding the legs, not only against the spikes of the enemy, but in making way among thorns and briers (see Layard's 'Nineveh and its Remains,' 2:, p. 337).

A target of brass - a circular frame carried at the back, suspended by a long belt which crossed the breast from the shoulders to the loins.

1 Samuel 17:6

6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a targetc of brass between his shoulders.