Town in Judah; site of David's battle with Goliath
Socoh
Named in 5 verses across 4 books, first in Joshua 15:35.
שׂוֹכֹהSocoh
שֹׂכֹהSocoh
שׂוֹכֹוֹSoco
Also called Soco.
The name means “tents; tabernacles.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Socoh Written by AI
Socoh, also spelled Sochoh or Shochoh, was a town located in the Shephelah, or lowlands, of Judah (Josh. 15:35). It is mentioned several times in the Bible, most notably in connection with the famous battle between David and Goliath. In the account of David's confrontation with Goliath, the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh, while the Israelites camped in the Valley of Elah (1Sam. 17:1). It was in this valley that David, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, defeated the giant Goliath, leading to a great victory for Israel (1Sam. 17:40-54). During the reign of King Solomon, Socoh was included in the district overseen by Ben-hesed, one of the twelve officers responsible for providing food for the king and his household (1Ki. 4:10). Later, when Rehoboam, Solomon's son, became king, he fortified Socoh as part of his efforts to strengthen the defenses of Judah (2Chr. 11:7). However, during the reign of King Ahaz, Socoh was among the towns captured by the Philistines (2Chr. 28:18). The exact location of Socoh is uncertain, but it is believed to be either Khirbet Abbad or Khirbet Shuweikeh, both located in the Shephelah region.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
31.681, 34.976 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Joshua 15:35
Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah,
- 1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
- 1 Kings 4:10
Ben-hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher belonged to him);
- 2 Chronicles 11:7
Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,
- 2 Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.