𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗹𝗮𝗵: 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗵 #history #ancient #bible #davidandgoliath

Location
1. The Valley of Elah is about 15 miles (23 km.) west of Bethlehem and about 20 miles (32 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea.
2. It’s located on the western edge of the Judean lower hills and was an important travel route from the coastal cities up to the center of the land of Judah and its main cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Hebron.
3. It’s an undeveloped site that can be seen in its natural state. It has parking alongside Hwy 38.
4. The Valley of Elah is best known for the epic battle between young David and the giant Goliath, a skilled veteran warrior.

Historical Background
1. The Philistines were a Canaanite people who inhabited Israel before the Israelites arrived.
2. The Israelites were unable to conquer them, and there were battles between the two nations for much of Israel’s history.
3. The Philistine’s stronghold was on the coastal plane in the Gaza area.
4. They were powerful, cultured, and possessed iron. They were the high-tech people of the day and did all they could to prohibit Israel from gaining iron and access to their technology (1 Sam. 13:19).
5. They worshipped many false gods, among them was the worship of Baal.
6. At this time in Israel’s history, the Philistines were attempting to push up through the Valley of Elah towards the heart of Judah. King Saul and his army engaged with the Philistines here to stop them.
7. The battle was one of the most pivotal between the two nations with the loser agreeing to serve the winner. It was a “winner takes all” kind of battle.
8. Later in King Saul’s life, he would be