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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 17:2 Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/09_1Sa_17_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:2 - Goliath's Challenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines." /><script 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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:1">◄</a> 1 Samuel 17:2 <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Saul countered by gathering his Israelite troops near the valley of Elah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and they encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, and they drew up in battle formation to confront the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah and arranged <i>themselves</i> for battle to meet the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together and they camped in the Valley of Elah, and assembled in battle formation to meet the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah; then they lined up in battle formation to face the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah; then they lined up in battle formation to face the Philistines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Saul and the army of Israel assembled and camped in the Elah Valley. They formed a battle line to fight the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in Elah Valley, where they got ready to fight the Philistines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul and the Israelis assembled and camped in the valley of Elah, where they set up their forces to meet the Philistines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the Israelite army assembled and camped in the valley of Elah, where they arranged their battle lines to fight against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and camped in the Valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and encamped by the valley of Elah, and they set the battle in array against the Philistines.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the Valley of Elah, and set in array [for] battle to meet the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array to meet the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul and the man Israel were gathered together, and they will encamp in the valley of Elah, and they arranged the battle to meet the rovers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Saul and the children of Israel being gathered together came to the valley of Terebinth, and they set the army in array to fight against the Philistines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But Saul and the sons of Israel, having gathered together, went to the Valley of Terebinth. And they positioned the army so as to fight against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Saul and the Israelites rallied and camped in the valley of the Elah, drawing up their battle line to meet the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul and the Israelites gathered and encamped in the valley of Elah, and formed ranks against the Philistines.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Terebinth, and they set the army in array to fight against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley that is in Temtha and they set themselves in array for war against the Philistines<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul and the men of Israel gather together, and they encamp in the valley, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4635" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Goliath's Challenge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: wə·šā·’ūl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">and the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: ne·’es·p̄ū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">assembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: way·ya·ḥă·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">and camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/6010.htm" title="6010: bə·‘ê·meq (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A vale. From amaq; a vale."></a> <a href="/hebrew/425.htm" title="425: hā·’ê·lāh (N-proper-ms) -- The same as 'elah; Elah, the name of an Edomite, of four Israelites, and also of a place in Palestine.">in the Valley of Elah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6186.htm" title="6186: way·ya·‘ar·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To set in a, row, arrange, put in order. A primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. Arrange, put in order.">arraying themselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">for battle</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Joshua 11:4-5</a></span><br />So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. / All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/3-27.htm">Judges 3:27-29</a></span><br />On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader. / “Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over. / At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all robust and valiant men. Not one of them escaped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">2 Samuel 21:15-22</a></span><br />Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-13.htm">1 Chronicles 11:13-14</a></span><br />He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-17.htm">2 Chronicles 20:17</a></span><br />You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-39.htm">Psalm 18:39</a></span><br />You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a></span><br />Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-3.htm">Jeremiah 46:3-4</a></span><br />“Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! / Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-7.htm">Ezekiel 38:7</a></span><br />Get ready; prepare yourself, you and all your company gathered around you; you will be their guard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34</a></span><br />Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-36.htm">Luke 22:36</a></span><br />“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">the valley</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-19.htm">1 Samuel 17:19</a></b></br> Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, <i>were</i> in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">1 Samuel 21:9</a></b></br> And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it <i>is here</i> wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take <i>it</i>: for <i>there is</i> no other save that here. And David said, <i>There is</i> none like that; give it me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Array</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/genesis/36-41.htm">Elah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Encounter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-16.htm">Line</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-30.htm">Terebinths</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Together</a> <a href="/joshua/18-16.htm">Vale</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-5.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">Array</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-16.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-19.htm">Elah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Encounter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">Line</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-21.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-19.htm">Terebinths</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-10.htm">Together</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-19.htm">Vale</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Goliath challenges a combat</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Eliab chides him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">He is brought to Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">shows the reason of his confidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">and slays the giant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">55. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Saul takes notice of David</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Saul and the men of Israel assembled</b><br>This phrase indicates the leadership of King Saul, who was the first king of Israel, chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. The assembly of the men of Israel under Saul's command reflects the centralized leadership that was established during his reign. This gathering for battle is a common occurrence in the historical books of the Old Testament, where Israel often faced threats from surrounding nations. The unity of the men under Saul's leadership is crucial, as it demonstrates the collective effort required to defend the nation.<p><b>and camped in the Valley of Elah</b><br>The Valley of Elah is a significant geographical location in the biblical narrative. It is situated in the Shephelah region, a series of low hills and valleys between the coastal plain and the Judean mountains. This valley served as a strategic military location due to its accessibility and the natural barrier it provided. Archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of this location, with findings such as ancient fortifications and artifacts. The Valley of Elah is also notable for its fertile land, which would have been advantageous for sustaining an army.<p><b>arraying themselves for battle</b><br>The phrase suggests a formal preparation for combat, indicating that the Israelites were organized and ready to engage in warfare. This preparation would have included arranging troops in strategic formations, equipping them with weapons, and possibly offering prayers or sacrifices for divine favor. The act of arraying for battle reflects the seriousness of the conflict and the Israelites' reliance on both military strategy and divine intervention.<p><b>against the Philistines</b><br>The Philistines were one of Israel's most persistent enemies during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. They were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan and were known for their advanced military technology, including the use of iron weapons. The conflict with the Philistines is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing the struggle between the people of God and the forces that oppose them. This battle, in particular, sets the stage for the famous encounter between David and Goliath, which foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's anointed over seemingly insurmountable odds.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. He leads the Israelites in battle against the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_of_israel.htm">Men of Israel</a></b><br>The army of Israel, representing the people of God, who are preparing to face their enemies, the Philistines.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/v/valley_of_elah.htm">Valley of Elah</a></b><br>A significant geographical location where the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines takes place. It is a strategic site for military encounters.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A perennial enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people. They are known for their military prowess and hostility towards Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle_formation.htm">Battle Formation</a></b><br>The strategic arrangement of troops in preparation for combat, indicating readiness and organization for the impending conflict.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_readiness.htm">Preparation and Readiness</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites prepared for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared to face challenges and opposition in life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>Saul's role as a leader highlights the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility to guide others in faith and action.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_opposition.htm">Facing Opposition</a></b><br>The Philistines represent the challenges and adversaries believers encounter. Trust in God is essential when facing such opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_positioning.htm">Strategic Positioning</a></b><br>The choice of the Valley of Elah as a battleground underscores the importance of strategic thinking and positioning in spiritual warfare.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>The assembly of the men of Israel emphasizes the strength found in community and unity among believers when confronting common challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_reduce_a_conflict_to_a_duel.htm">Why would a sophisticated army reduce an entire conflict to a one-on-one duel (1 Samuel 17)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_choice_shapes_the_valley's_future.htm">What choice will determine the future in the valley?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_five_stones.htm">What are the five smooth stones in the story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_king_saul_die.htm">How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 2, 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The valley of Elah.</span> <span class="accented">I.e.</span> of the terebinth tree. A valley between them. Conder ('Tent Work,' 2:160) describes the spot from personal observation thus: "Saul, coming down by the highway from the land of Benjamin, encamped by the valley on one of the low hills; and between the two hosts was the <span class="accented">gai</span> or ravine." In the A.V. no exactness of rendering is ever attempted, and both the <span class="accented">emek</span>, the broad strath or valley of Elah, with gently sloping sides, and the flag, the narrow, precipitous ravine, are equally rendered <span class="accented">valley.</span> Really the <span class="accented">gai</span> is most remarkable, and fully explains how the two hosts could remain in face of one another so long without fighting; for Conder proceeds, "Two points require to be made clear as to the episode of David's battle with Goliath: one was the meaning of the expression <span class="accented">gai</span> or ravine; the other was the source whence David took the 'smooth stones.' A visit to the spot explains both. In the middle of the broad, open valley we found a deep trench with vertical sides, impassable except at certain places - a valley in a valley, and a natural barrier between the two hosts. The sides and bed of this trench are strewn with rounded and waterworn pebbles, which would have been well fitted for David's sling. Here, then, we may picture to ourselves the two hosts, covering the low, rocky hills opposite to each other, and half hidden among the lentisk bushes. Between them was the rich expanse of ripening barley, and the red banks of the torrent, with its white, shingly bed. Behind all were the distant blue hill walls of Judah, whence Saul had just come down. The mail clad champion advanced from the west through the low corn, with his mighty lance perhaps tufted with feathers, his brazen helmet shining in the sun. From the east a ruddy boy in his white shirt and sandals, armed with a goat's hair sling, came down to the brook, and, according to the poetic fancy of the Rabbis, the pebbles were given voices, and cried, 'By us shalt thou overcome the giant.' The champion fell from an unseen cause, and the wild Philistines fled to the mouth of the valley, where Gath stood towering on its white chalk cliff, a frontier fortress, the key to the high road leading to the corn lands of Judah and to the vineyards of Hebron." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁא֤וּל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the men</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִֽישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">assembled</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ne·’es·p̄ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and camped</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·ḥă·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the Valley of Elah,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵלָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ê·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_425.htm">Strong's 425: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elah -- 'terebinth', an Israelite name, also an Edomite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">arraying themselves</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ar·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6186.htm">Strong's 6186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set in a, row, arrange, put in order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for battle</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלְחָמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרַ֥את</span> <span class="translit">(liq·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7122.htm">Strong's 7122: </a> </span><span class="str2">To encounter, befall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Philistines.</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-2.htm">1 Samuel 17:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:2 Saul and the men of Israel were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>