1 Samuel 17:1

KJV

¶ Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the Philistines {H6430} gathered together {H622} their armies {H4264} to battle {H4421}, and were gathered together {H622} at Shochoh {H7755}, which belongeth to Judah {H3063}, and pitched {H2583} between Shochoh {H7755} and Azekah {H5825}, in Ephesdammim {H658}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'lishtim rallied their troops for war, assembling at Sokhoh in Y'hudah and setting up camp between Sokhoh and 'Azekah in Efes-Damim.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.

American Standard Version

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongeth to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:1 meticulously sets the stage for the iconic confrontation between David and Goliath, detailing the strategic assembly of the Philistine army for battle. This verse precisely identifies the Philistines' encampment at Shochoh, a location belonging to Judah, and specifies their position between Shochoh and Azekah, within the area known as Ephesdammim. It immediately establishes the intense, ongoing conflict between Israel and their formidable Philistine adversaries, underscoring the territorial stakes and preparing the reader for a pivotal moment in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the private anointing of David by Samuel in [1 Samuel 16](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David's Anointing and Saul's Decline"), a clandestine act that marked him as God's chosen king, even while Saul still reigned. Saul, meanwhile, is plagued by an evil spirit, and David has been introduced to the court as a musician to soothe him. Chapter 17 opens abruptly, shifting from the internal dynamics of Saul's court and David's anointing to an external, national crisis. The Philistine gathering described in [1 Samuel 17:1](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - Philistine Army Gathers") is not merely a skirmish but a full-scale military mobilization, designed to challenge Israel's sovereignty and perhaps exploit Saul's weakened state. This strategic positioning of the armies in the Valley of Elah, as further detailed in [1 Samuel 17:2-3](/1_samuel/17-2 "1 Samuel 17:2-3 - Armies Arrayed in the Valley of Elah"), creates the perfect dramatic backdrop for the introduction of Goliath and David's subsequent, divinely empowered victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the united monarchy, particularly during Saul's reign, was characterized by persistent and often brutal conflict with the Philistines. These "Sea Peoples," who had settled on the coastal plain of Canaan, possessed superior iron technology and a highly organized military, posing a constant existential threat to the fledgling Israelite kingdom. The locations mentioned—Shochoh (modern Khirbet Shuweikeh) and Azekah (modern Tell Zakariya)—were strategically vital strongholds in the Shephelah, the low hills bordering the Judean highlands. Their control was crucial for both Philistine expansion into the heartland of Judah and for Israel's defense. The Valley of Elah, situated between these two points, served as a natural corridor and a common battleground, making its control paramount. The Philistines' encampment "between Shochoh and Azekah" indicates a well-chosen defensive and offensive position, likely on a ridge overlooking the valley, facing the Israelite forces. This geographical precision underscores the historical veracity and the high stakes of the impending battle.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 17:1](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - Philistine Army Gathers") immediately introduces several critical themes that permeate the entire narrative of David and Goliath and indeed the broader book of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **persistent threat of the Philistines** to Israel's existence and sovereignty, setting the stage for a confrontation where national survival is at stake. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **strategic nature of warfare** in this period, with precise geographical details underscoring the importance of territorial control and military positioning. The fact that Shochoh "belongeth to Judah" explicitly frames the conflict as a **territorial dispute**. Most significantly, this verse serves as the initial setup for **divine intervention and God's sovereignty**. While it describes a purely human military gathering, it meticulously positions the adversaries, preparing the scene for God to demonstrate His power not through conventional human might (which Israel notably lacked in comparison to the Philistines, as seen in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Israel's Lack of Weapons")), but through an unexpected, divinely chosen champion, foreshadowing the Lord's deliverance in battle, as declared later in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Philistines (Hebrew, _P'lishtim'_):** This term refers to the dominant non-Israelite power in the coastal plain during the early Israelite monarchy. They were a formidable, technologically advanced (possessing iron weaponry, unlike Israel) and militarily organized people, often serving as God's instrument of judgment or a persistent challenge to Israel's faith and obedience. Their gathering here signifies a major, strategic offensive, not a mere raid.
* **Shochoh (Hebrew, _Sokoh'_):** Meaning "thicket" or "hedge," Shochoh was a fortified city in the Shephelah, the low hills separating the Judean highlands from the Philistine plain. Its explicit mention as belonging "to Judah" emphasizes the Philistine incursion into Israelite territory, highlighting the territorial dispute at the heart of the conflict. Its strategic location made it a crucial point for controlling access to the Judean heartland.
* **Ephesdammim (Hebrew, _'Ephes Dammim'_):** This place name is highly evocative. It can be interpreted as "boundary of blood" or "cessation of blood." The former interpretation, "boundary of blood," powerfully foreshadows the bloody conflict about to unfold in the valley. The latter, "cessation of blood," could imply a place where a decisive battle would occur, bringing an end to the ongoing hostilities, at least for a time. This name adds a layer of ominous significance to the chosen battleground.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle":** This opening clause immediately establishes the primary antagonists and their hostile intent. The phrase "gathered together their armies" (Hebrew: אָסְפוּ צְבָאוֹת, _'asfu ts'va'ot'_) indicates a full-scale military mobilization, suggesting a well-organized and formidable force, not merely a raiding party. Their purpose is explicitly "to battle," signifying a decisive confrontation.
* **"and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to Judah":** This specifies the initial point of assembly for the Philistine forces. Shochoh's designation as belonging "to Judah" is crucial, underscoring that the Philistines are encroaching upon Israelite territory. This highlights the territorial and existential threat posed by the Philistines to the nascent Israelite kingdom and the specific tribe of Judah.
* **"and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim":** This provides the precise geographical location of the Philistine encampment. "Pitched" (Hebrew: וַיַּחֲנוּ, _vayyachanū_) indicates they set up their military camp. Shochoh and Azekah were two key fortified towns in the Shephelah, flanking the Valley of Elah. Their position "between" these two towns places them directly in the strategic valley, allowing them to control the corridor and face the Israelite forces. The mention of "Ephesdammim" further localizes their exact position within this strategic area, adding to the historical precision of the account and, as noted in Key Word Analysis, potentially foreshadowing the bloody outcome.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices**. **Geographical Precision** is paramount, with the naming of Shochoh, Azekah, and Ephesdammim, which grounds the narrative in historical reality and lends verisimilitude to the account. This detailed setting creates a vivid mental picture of the battleground. The very name **Ephesdammim** functions as a powerful form of **Foreshadowing**, as its potential meaning ("boundary of blood" or "cessation of blood") eerily predicts the violent and decisive conflict that is about to unfold. This adds a layer of dramatic irony and thematic depth, as the chosen battleground itself seems to whisper of the coming bloodshed. Furthermore, the abrupt opening with the Philistine mobilization creates a sense of **Anticipation** and immediate crisis, drawing the reader directly into the high stakes of the narrative without preamble.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse, by detailing the formidable Philistine threat and their strategic positioning, immediately establishes the context for a profound theological truth: God's sovereignty over all human events, even military conflicts. The Philistine gathering is not merely a random act of war but an orchestrated event within God's larger plan to demonstrate His power and to elevate His chosen champion, David. It highlights that even when human forces seem overwhelming and strategically superior, the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of the Lord. This conflict, therefore, becomes a test of Israel's faith and a stage for God to reveal His faithfulness and strength through unexpected means, emphasizing that salvation does not come by sword or spear, but by the Lord ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")).

* [Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20-1 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 17:1 serves as a powerful reminder that significant, life-altering events often begin with seemingly mundane or threatening preparations. Just as the Philistines meticulously gathered their forces, we too face "battles" in life—challenges, crises, and overwhelming circumstances that seem to position themselves strategically against us. This verse calls us to recognize that even in the most daunting scenarios, God is sovereignly at work, orchestrating events for His purposes. Our spiritual readiness is paramount, not in our own strength, but in understanding the spiritual forces at play and trusting in God's ultimate control. The detailed setting of the Philistine encampment underscores that God is intimately involved in the specifics of our trials, preparing the way for His intervention and demonstration of power. This can offer profound comfort: even when we feel surrounded by overwhelming odds, the stage is set, the players are positioned, and God is already working out His larger, redemptive plan, much like He was preparing the way for David's rise and Israel's deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Philistines" or overwhelming challenges are currently gathering against you in your life?**
* **How does knowing God's sovereignty over the "setting of the stage" (even in difficult circumstances) impact your perspective on current trials?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you, or others, for a divinely orchestrated victory in seemingly impossible situations?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Philistines and why were they a constant threat to Israel?**

Answer: The Philistines were a powerful, non-Semitic people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan (modern-day Gaza Strip and surrounding areas) around the 12th century BC. They are believed to be one of the "Sea Peoples" who migrated from the Aegean region. Their constant threat to Israel stemmed from several factors: they possessed superior military technology, particularly iron weaponry, which Israel lacked ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Israel's Lack of Weapons")); they were highly organized politically and militarily, ruled by five lords of their major cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron); and they sought to expand their territory eastward into the fertile Shephelah and Judean highlands, which directly conflicted with Israelite settlement and control. This territorial ambition led to frequent and intense battles, making them the primary external adversary for Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, as seen throughout the books of [Judges](/judges/1 "Book of Judges") and [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "Book of 1 Samuel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:1, with its depiction of a formidable enemy arrayed against God's people in a strategic valley, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual conflict and the triumph achieved through God's chosen champion, Jesus Christ. Just as the Philistines gathered their armies, humanity stands under the shadow of a far greater adversary: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Israel's inability to confront Goliath, despite their king and army, mirrors humanity's utter helplessness to overcome sin and death through its own strength or law ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Cannot Justify")). David, the shepherd boy, emerges as God's unexpected champion, fighting not with conventional weapons but with faith in the Lord of Hosts, securing victory for his people. This points directly to Christ, the true and greater Son of David, who, though seemingly humble and unassuming in His earthly form, confronted the ultimate Goliath—Satan and the power of sin and death—not with earthly might, but through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The victory in the Valley of Elah, won by one man for all Israel, prefigures the cosmic victory achieved by Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and delivers all who believe from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, 1 Samuel 17:1 sets the stage for a physical battle that ultimately points to the spiritual warfare and ultimate triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 15:35

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

1 Chronicles 11:13

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

1 Samuel 13:5

And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which [is] on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.

2 Chronicles 28:18

The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

Judges 3:3

[Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

Joshua 10:10

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

Joshua 10:11

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.