Ephesdammim, also known as Pas-dammim, is a location of significant historical and biblical importance, primarily noted as the battleground where the Philistines encamped against the Israelites during the time of King Saul. This site is mentioned in the context of the famous encounter between David and Goliath, as recorded in the Old Testament.

Biblical References:

1 Samuel 17:1 states, "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim." This passage sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between the young shepherd David and the Philistine giant Goliath. The location is strategically significant, lying in the Valley of Elah, which served as a natural battleground between the opposing forces.

1 Chronicles 11:13 refers to the site as Pas-dammim, highlighting its role in another battle involving David's mighty men: "He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a plot of ground full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines." This account underscores the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines and the valor of David's warriors.

Geographical Context:

Ephesdammim is situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, characterized by its rolling hills and fertile valleys. The Valley of Elah, where Ephesdammim is located, served as a critical corridor for military campaigns due to its accessibility and strategic position between the coastal plains and the Judean hill country.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The events at Ephesdammim are pivotal in the narrative of Israel's history, illustrating the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines, who were a constant threat during the early monarchy. The confrontation between David and Goliath at this site is not only a tale of military prowess but also a profound theological statement about faith and divine intervention. David's victory over Goliath is often interpreted as a testament to God's power working through those who trust in Him, regardless of their apparent weakness or insignificance.

The name Ephesdammim, which can be translated as "boundary of blood" or "edge of blood," may reflect the area's history as a site of frequent conflict and bloodshed. This etymology underscores the perpetual struggle for dominance in the region, both physically and spiritually.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of Ephesdammim remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally associated with the area near modern-day Beit Shemesh. Archaeological findings in the region, including fortifications and artifacts, provide insights into the period's military strategies and the cultural interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors.

In summary, Ephesdammim holds a crucial place in biblical history as the backdrop for one of the most iconic accounts of faith and courage. Its mention in the scriptures serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes through His chosen people.Ephesdammim

(cessation of blood-shed), a place between Socoh and Arekah, at which the Philistines were encamped before the affray in which Goliath was killed. (1 Samuel 17:1) Under the shorter form of PAS-DAMMIM it occurs once again in a similar connection. (1 Chronicles 11:13)

Boundary of blood, a place in the tribe of Judah where the Philistines encamped when David fought with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1). It was probably so called as having been the scene of frequent sanguinary conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. It is called Pas-dammim (1 Chronicles 11:13). It has been identified with the modern Beit Fased, i.e., "house of bleeding", near Shochoh (q.v.). EPHES-DAMMIM

e-fes-dam'-im ('ephec dammim):

Some spot between Socoh and Azekah (1 Samuel 17:1) where the Philistines were encamped; called in 1 Chronicles 11:13, "Pas-dammin." Ephes" end of" or "boundary" and the whole word may mean the "boundary of blood." The deep red color of the newly plowed earth in this situation is noticeable and may have given origin to the idea of "blood" (compare ADUMMIM). Cheyne suggests that from 'adhummin, to dammim, is an easy step, and that the former, meaning "red brown earth," may have been the original. No other satisfactory locality has been found to explain the name or fix the site.

E. W. G. Masterman

David's victory Over the Giant
... depart from him. Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war, and
camped between Socoh and Ezekah in Ephesdammim. Saul and ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

Ephesdammim (1 Occurrence)
... No other satisfactory locality has been found to explain the name or fix the site.
EWG Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Ephesdammim (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/ephesdammim.htm - 8k

Ephes (1 Occurrence)
... together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/e/ephes.htm - 6k

Ephes-dammim (1 Occurrence)
Ephes-dammim. Ephesdammim, Ephes-dammim. E'phes-Dam'mim . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... (ASV BBE JPS WBS YLT NAS). Ephesdammim, Ephes-dammim. E'phes-Dam'mim ...
/e/ephes-dammim.htm - 8k

Goliath (6 Occurrences)
... 21:19 1 Chronicles 20:5). He defied the armies of Israel, challenging anyone to
meet him in single combat while the two armies faced each other at Ephesdammim. ...
/g/goliath.htm - 12k

E'phes-Dam'mim (1 Occurrence)
... together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/e/e'phes-dam'mim.htm - 6k

Dammim (3 Occurrences)
... together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/d/dammim.htm - 7k

Belongeth (36 Occurrences)
... together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth
to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/b/belongeth.htm - 17k

Azekah (7 Occurrences)
... together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/a/azekah.htm - 11k

Shochoh (1 Occurrence)
... together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth
to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/s/shochoh.htm - 7k

Sochoh (4 Occurrences)
... assembled their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Sochoh, which belongs
to Judah, and encamped between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. (DBY). ...
/s/sochoh.htm - 7k

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