Topical Bible: Valleys: Elah

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Valley of Elah is a significant geographical and historical location in the biblical narrative, primarily known as the site of the famous battle between David and Goliath. This valley is situated in the Shephelah region of ancient Judah, a lowland area that served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands. The Valley of Elah is characterized by its fertile land, making it suitable for agriculture and settlement.

Biblical Significance

The most notable event associated with the Valley of Elah is the confrontation between the young shepherd David and the Philistine giant Goliath, as recorded in 1 Samuel 17. The Philistines, a formidable sea-faring people, had encamped on one side of the valley, while the Israelites, led by King Saul, were positioned on the opposite side. The valley served as the battleground for this pivotal encounter.

1 Samuel 17:2-3 describes the setting: "Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up in battle lines to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them."

The narrative highlights the Valley of Elah as a place of divine intervention and faith. David, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones from the brook in the valley, faced Goliath with confidence in the Lord's deliverance. His victory over Goliath not only demonstrated God's power but also marked the beginning of David's rise to prominence in Israel.

Geographical and Archaeological Insights

The Valley of Elah is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Jerusalem. It is part of the larger Elah Basin, which includes several tributaries and smaller valleys. The valley is named after the terebinth tree, known in Hebrew as "Elah," which was once abundant in the area.

Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications, providing insights into the historical context of the biblical narrative. The site of Khirbet Qeiyafa, located near the Valley of Elah, has been identified by some scholars as a possible location of the Israelite encampment during the time of David and Goliath.

Theological Themes

The Valley of Elah serves as a backdrop for themes of faith, courage, and divine providence. David's reliance on God rather than conventional weaponry underscores the biblical principle that victory comes through faith and obedience to the Lord. The account of David and Goliath in the Valley of Elah continues to inspire believers with its message of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges through trust in God.

The Valley of Elah remains a symbol of God's faithfulness and the triumph of His chosen servants, reminding readers of the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:2
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 21:9
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you slew in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if you will take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Woman of Samaria
... year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of ... year,
of almost any kind which man may need; there are rich valleys well watered ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... came, with their battle-flags and drums, up the great Vale of Elah, the valley ... sent
out messengers to sound the war-horns up and down the valleys, and gather ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

National Apostasy
... judgments of Heaven; and yet the rulers who followed"Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and ... The
people forgot that the hills and valleys, the streams and fountains, were ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... for sanctuary, but the King of Judah, to whom the Edomite valleys belonged, did ... been
shar zaba when he mutinied against Zimri, the assassin of Elah, and Jehu ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Manasseh settled to the north of Ephraim, in the hills and valleys of the Carmel
group, and to Benjamin were assigned the heights which overlook the plain of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm