AbstractThe biblical expression »the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam« is widely known as part of the description of Goliath’s arms before the battle with David in the Valley of Elah (1Sam 17:7). It appears again in the Bible, however, in a short story about another Israelite hero who killed a Philistine named Goliath, Elhanan son of Jaare-Orgim (2Sam 21:19). In this article I claim that, not only is the shorter, less well known version the original, as many have claimed before me, but I also suggest a new understanding of the term »weaver’s beam«. Rather than understanding it as part of Goliath’s marvelous spear, I see it in fact as an improvised work tool used by the Israelite, Elhanan, in order to kill the Philistine in battle. This new understanding places this story together with other traditions about improvised weapons in the Books of Judges and Samuel.