שמואל א, פרק י״ז, פסוק ו׳

Goliath marched into battle equipped with military gear designed to provide maximum protection from head to toe, while also allowing him to carry a deadly array of weapons. To guard his lower body, he wore copper plates over his legs [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Much like a decorative metal band worn across the forehead, these thick copper sheets hung down to shield his legs from incoming attacks [רד״ק]. A unique perspective, however, suggests that this was not a separate piece of leg armor. Instead, it may have been a solid iron bar extending directly from his helmet all the way down to his legs, creating a continuous line of defense [רש״י].

Above his back, positioned between his shoulders, was another piece of copper equipment. Commentators debate whether this served as a defensive shield or an offensive weapon. One approach views it as armor specifically crafted to protect Goliath's neck from a lethal sword strike. Within this view, some describe it as a copper extension protruding from his helmet and reaching down between his shoulders [רש״י, מצודת דוד], while others understand it simply as a heavy neck guard wrapping securely around the back of the neck [רלב״ג].

Conversely, another approach identifies this item as an actual weapon of war, similar to a lance or javelin meant for striking. Because Goliath's hands were already full with other heavy weapons, he carried this extra lance strapped to his back. It was positioned perfectly between his shoulders so that he could quickly draw it the moment he threw his primary spear at an opponent [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].