Socho, also spelled Socoh or Sokoh, is a biblical town mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the territory of Judah. It is noted for its strategic and historical significance in the biblical narrative. The name "Socho" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "hedge" or "fence," which may reflect its geographical features or its role as a fortified location.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:35 · Socho is listed among the cities in the lowland region of Judah. The verse states: "Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah," . This inclusion highlights its importance as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.

2. 1 Samuel 17:1 · Socho is prominently mentioned in the account of David and Goliath. The Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socho in Judah, setting the stage for the famous battle in the Valley of Elah. The verse reads: "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim." . This location underscores its strategic military significance.

3. 1 Kings 4:10 · Socho is mentioned as part of the administrative districts under King Solomon's rule. The verse notes: "Ben-Hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher were his)." . This indicates its continued importance during the united monarchy of Israel.

4. 2 Chronicles 11:7 · During the reign of Rehoboam, Socho is listed among the fortified cities of Judah. The verse states: "Beth-zur, Socoh, Adullam," . This reflects its role in the defense strategy of the southern kingdom.

Archaeological and Historical Context:

Socho is identified with the modern site of Khirbet Shuweikeh, located southwest of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which align with the biblical timeline. The site's fortifications and strategic location on the border of the Philistine plain and the Judean hills made it a significant military and administrative center.

Theological Significance:

Socho's mention in the context of the David and Goliath narrative highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, symbolizing the struggle between God's chosen people and their adversaries. The town's repeated inclusion in lists of fortified cities and administrative regions underscores the importance of strongholds and governance in maintaining the security and stability of the nation of Israel.

In summary, Socho serves as a testament to the historical and theological themes of conflict, defense, and divine providence in the biblical narrative. Its strategic location and repeated mention in Scripture reflect its enduring significance in the history of ancient Israel.Socho

(bushy). (1 Chronicles 4:18) Probably one of the towns called Socoh, in Judah, though which of the two cannot be ascertained.

A fence; hedge, (1 Chronicles 4:18; R.V., Soco)=So'choh (1 Kings 4:10; R.V., Socoh), Sho'choh (1 Samuel 17:1; R.V., Socoh), Sho'co (2 Chronicles 11:7; R.V., Soco), Sho'cho (2 Chronicles 28:18; R.V., Soco), a city in the plain or lowland of Judah, where the Philistines encamped when they invaded Judah after their defeat at Michmash. It lay on the northern side of the valley of Elah (Wady es-Sunt). It has been identified with the modern Khurbet Shuweikeh, about 14 miles south-west of Jerusalem. In this campaign Goliath was slain, and the Philistines were completely routed. SOCHO

so'-ko: Occurs in 1 Chronicles 4:18, the Revised Version (British and American) "Soco."

See SOCOH.

The Sadducees.
... tradition in Pirke Aboth, i., 3, according to which the principle thus perverted
to the denial of a future life came from Antigonus Ish Socho, or Simeon the ...
/.../section 25 the sadducees.htm

Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - the ...
... individuals. The Mishnic tractate Aboth, which records the sayings of the
Fathers,' here gives us only the name of Antigonus of Socho. ...
/.../chapter viii traditionalism its origin.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... is fully borne out by the account of a later work, [1531] to the effect, that by
successive misunderstandings of the saying of Antigonus of Socho, that men ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... 5, which ascribes the origin of the Saducees to the first or second generation of
Zadok's disciples, himself a disciple of Antigonus of Socho, which would ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... It is true that we read of no distinguished teachers in the interval, except Antigonus
of Socho, disciple of Simon the Just; but the silence can hardly weigh ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Annius Rufus, the Procurator, i.242. Antigonus, of Socho, sayings of, i.95, 315. ...
his hymn, 158, 159. Zadok, disciple of Antigonus of Socho, i.322. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Yapu (Jaffa), Lotanu, Ono"and those within reach on the mountain spurs, or situated
within the easily accessible wadys, such as Sauka (Socho), Hadid, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Socho (1 Occurrence)
...SOCHO. so'-ko: Occurs in 1 Chronicles 4:18, the Revised Version (British and American)
"Soco." See SOCOH. Multi-Version Concordance Socho (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/socho.htm - 8k

So-called (10 Occurrences)
So-called. Sobriety, So-called. Socho . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a ... craftsmen.
(See RSV). Sobriety, So-called. Socho . Reference Bible.
/s/so-called.htm - 9k

Guimzo (1 Occurrence)
... 28:18 And the Philistines invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the south of
Judah, and took Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Socho and its ...
/g/guimzo.htm - 6k

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

Sadducees (14 Occurrences)
... He was a disciple of Antigonus of Socho (circa 250 BC) who taught that love to God
should be absolutely disinterested (Pirqe 'Abhoth, i.3). 'Abhoth de-Rabbi ...
/s/sadducees.htm - 31k

Sochoh (4 Occurrences)

/s/sochoh.htm - 7k

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

Dependent (35 Occurrences)
... 28:18 And the Philistines invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the south of
Judah, and took Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Socho and its ...
/d/dependent.htm - 17k

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