About Valley of Elah

“Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 17:2)

The valley of Elah is a long, shallow valley located in the Judean plains (the Shephelah of Judah). The fertile valley is covered with a patchwork of farmlands and pastures and flanked on both sides by stony hills covered in woodlands and brushwood. This valley was an important corridor from the coastal towns to the Judean mountains and the towns of Bethlehem and Hebron.

Meaning of Elah

The vibrant green valley is named after the large and shady Terebinth (Pistacia Palaestina) trees from the area. Elah is derived from the Hebrew word “el” meaning “God”.

Battle of David and Goliath

The valley is best known as the scene of the famous biblical battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). According to the Bible, the Philistines were encamped on the south side of the valley between Socoh and Azekah while King Saul and the Israelites watched the battle on the northern side. The brook of Elah lies in the heart of the valley, probably from which David chose five smooth stones. David placed them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and approached Goliath with his sling. David slung a stone at Goliath’s head and killed him, prompting the Philistines to flee. The Israelites were jubilant.