Site of David's victory over Goliath
Elah Valley
Named in 3 verses of 1 Samuel, first in 1 Samuel 17:2.
אֵלָה+H6010I«H6010Valley of/ Elah
Also called Valley of/ Elah.
About Elah Valley Written by AI
The Elah Valley was the location of the memorable confrontation between David and the Philistine champion Goliath (1Samuel 17). The Philistines gathered their armies there to battle against King Saul and the Israelites. The valley was situated on the border between Judah and Philistia, near the city of Azekah. It was likely an open area suitable for battle. David, then a young shepherd boy, arrived at the Israelite camp and accepted Goliath's challenge. With a sling and a stone, David struck down Goliath, and the Philistines fled in defeat. After this victory, the Elah Valley became famous as the site of David's triumph and the place where he launched his ascent to the throne. The "sword of Goliath" that David took from the fallen giant was kept in Nob, and David later retrieved it when fleeing from Saul (1Sa.21.9).
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
31.691, 34.963 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- 1 Samuel 17:2
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 17:19
They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”
- 1 Samuel 21:9
The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one here.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.