1 Samuel 17:19

Overview - 1 Samuel 17
The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle,
Goliath challenges a combat.
12 David, sent by his father to visit his brethren, takes the challenge.
28 Eliab chides him.
30 He is brought to Saul;
32 shews the reason of his confidence;
38 and slays the giant.
55 Saul takes notice of David.
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:19  (King James Version)
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
 


the valley
Dr. Richardson says, that in about twenty minutes, in an easterly direction, form the cave of St. John, (which is about two hours or six miles, in a westerly direction, from Jerusalem,) they came to the valley of Elah; which position seems to agree with that of Shochoh and Azekah. He describes it as "a small valley, and the place of the encampment is pointed out where it narrows into a broad, deep ravine; part of it was in crop, and part of it was under the plough, which was drawn by a couple of oxen. A small stream, which had shrunk almost under its stony bed, passes through it from east to west, from which we are informed that David chose out five smooth stones, and hasted and ran to meet the haughty champion of Gath. A well of water under the bank, with a few olive trees above, on the north side of the valley, are said to mark the spot of the shepherd's triumph over his boasting antagonist. Saul and his men probably occupied the side of the valley which is nearest to Jerusalem, on which the ground is higher and more rugged than on the other side."
17:19