Shocho, also spelled Socoh or Sochoh, is a biblical town located in the territory of Judah, mentioned in the Old Testament. It holds historical and theological significance within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the battles involving the Israelites and the Philistines.

Biblical References:

1. Location and Allotment:
Shocho is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. In Joshua 15:35, it is listed among the towns in the Shephelah, or the lowland region: "Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah." This indicates its geographical placement within the fertile and strategically important lowlands of Judah.

2. Battle of David and Goliath:
Shocho is notably referenced in the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:1, the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah: "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes-dammim, between Socoh and Azekah." This location served as the backdrop for the famous confrontation between the young shepherd David and the giant Goliath, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that demonstrated God's deliverance through unlikely means.

3. Rehoboam's Fortifications:
During the reign of King Rehoboam, Shocho was fortified as part of a defensive strategy against potential invasions. In 2 Chronicles 11:7, it is listed among the cities that Rehoboam strengthened: "Beth-zur, Socoh, Adullam." This fortification effort highlights the town's strategic importance in the defense of the kingdom of Judah.

Archaeological and Historical Insights:

Shocho is identified with the modern site of Khirbet Shuweikeh, located southwest of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains that date back to the Iron Age, aligning with the biblical period. These findings provide tangible evidence of the town's existence and its role in the ancient landscape of Judah.

Theological Significance:

Shocho's mention in the context of the David and Goliath narrative underscores themes of faith, divine intervention, and the triumph of God's chosen people over their adversaries. The location serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His power rather than relying solely on human strength or military might.

In summary, Shocho is a town of considerable importance in the biblical narrative, serving as a site of military significance and divine intervention. Its role in the account of David and Goliath, as well as its strategic fortification by Rehoboam, highlights its enduring legacy in the history of Israel.Shocho

(2 Chronicles 28:18) one of the four varieties of the name Socoh.

(2 Chronicles 28:18) = Shochoh (1 Samuel 17:1) = Shoco (2 Chronicles 11:7). See SOCOH. 7755. Sokoh -- two places in Judah
... Word Origin from the same as sok Definition two places in Judah NASB Word Usage
Soco (3), Socoh (5). Shocho, Shochoh, Sochoh, Soco, Socoh. ...
/hebrew/7755.htm - 6k

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... also, and on the lower slopes of the mountains, a number of similar fortresses and
villages, such as Iurza, Migdol, Lachish, Ajalon, Shocho, Adora, Aphukin ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Shocho (2 Occurrences)
... SOCOH. Multi-Version Concordance Shocho (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 11:7 And
Beth-zur, and Shocho, and Adullam, (WBS YLT). 2 Chronicles ...
/s/shocho.htm - 7k

Ajalon (10 Occurrences)
... Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of
Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the ...
/a/ajalon.htm - 10k

Soco (3 Occurrences)
... branches"), (sokho (in Chronicles only); Socho, most usual, but many forms in
Septuagint and in the King James Version: Socoh, Shochoh, Shoco, Shocho): (1) A ...
/s/soco.htm - 10k

Shochoh (1 Occurrence)

/s/shochoh.htm - 7k

Shobia (1 Occurrence)

/s/shobia.htm - 6k

Socoh (4 Occurrences)
... branches"), (sokho (in Chronicles only); Socho, most usual, but many forms in
Septuagint and in the King James Version: Socoh, Shochoh, Shoco, Shocho): (1) A ...
/s/socoh.htm - 10k

Rushed (24 Occurrences)
... have rushed against the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and
capture Beth-Shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho and its villages ...
/r/rushed.htm - 14k

Capture (53 Occurrences)
... have rushed against the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and
capture Beth-Shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho and its villages ...
/c/capture.htm - 23k

Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences)
... Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of
Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the ...
/b/bethshemesh.htm - 19k

Villages (106 Occurrences)
... Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of
Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the ...
/v/villages.htm - 38k

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