Saul was the best match for Goliath in terms of height (1 Samuel 10:23). An obvious candidate to go and fight him. He also had access to comparable weapons and armour (see 1 Samuel 13:22; 1 Samuel 17:38).1 Sadly, however, he is ineffective and powerless to lead the Israelites against the Philistines. Being a man who walks by sight and not by faith,2 he is unwilling to perform one of the primary tasks which he received as king (1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Samuel 8:18–20).3 With Saul refusing to fight, no one else dares to take up Goliath on his challenge.4 Even Jonathan is unwilling to step forward.5
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.