“The P’lishtim rallied their troops for war, assembling at Sokhoh in Y’hudah and setting up camp between Sokhoh and ‘Azekah in Efes-Damim. Sha’ul and the men of Isra’el assembled, set up camp in the Elah Valley and drew up their battle line opposite the P’lishtim. The P’lishtim occupied a position on one hill and Isra’el a position on another hill, with a valley between them.”-1 Samuel 17:1-3
The opening verses of chapter 17 set the stage for the most famous battle ever fought between two human beings:
David and Goliath.
We’re told the Philistines had moved into Hebrew territory and positioned themselves in Judah.
This makes perfect sense because their territory bordered the southern and central regions of Canaan.
No doubt the Philistines were feeling gutsy and bold as brass because they had caught wind that King Saul was on his way down and losing his marbles.
They decided NOW would be the perfect time to make a move against Israel.
And they had picked a very important spot.
It was called the Valley of Elah…
But it was more like a natural highway that stretched through the coast of Canaan, the Shephelah, and led smack dab into the hilly territory of Judah.
If the Philistines got control of this valley, they’d be able to send all of the soldiers they needed to dominate the area.
Of course, there was no way in hell Israel could allow this to happen.
Now, where exactly is this spot today?
Well, in the book of Joshua, we’re told there were two towns named Socoh and Azekah located in the lowlands of Judah.
Today, that place is the village of Khirbet Shuwiekeh.
So that’s certainly the place where the battle between David and Goliath took place.
It’s a major tourist area.
I haven’t been there but I heard it’s incredible.
The valley is this HUGE flat plain between two mountains.
And there’s this riverbed that flows right through the middle of it.
If you were to fly over the area in an airplane and look down, apparently that riverbed looks like a wicked black stripe on the back of a hissing snake (interpret that as you like).
Imagine visiting the area and reading the story of David and Goliath out loud there!
Pretty exciting stuff, isn’t it?
Anyway, did I paint a clear picture of the scene here?
You’ve got this big and flat valley plain separating two armies.
The Philistines were on one side, and Saul’s militia was on the other.
Each side was sizing the other up…
And the tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with the dullest of butter knives.
Neither side was confident what would happen if war broke out…
But one thing for sure is that war would break out…
There was no doubt about that.
It was just a matter of time before something gave…
We’ll get into that “something” the next time we meet.
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