1 Samuel 17:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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

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

This opening verse of 1 Samuel chapter 17 immediately sets the stage for one of the Bible's most iconic narratives: the confrontation between David and Goliath. It details the strategic assembly of the Philistine army, highlighting the ongoing and often brutal conflict between the Philistines and Israel. The verse's geographical precision underscores the historical reality of this pivotal encounter.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of 1 Samuel chronicles a period of transition for Israel, from a loose tribal confederation to a monarchy. A persistent threat during this time was the Philistines, a powerful seafaring people who occupied the coastal plain southwest of Israel. This verse describes a renewed Philistine offensive, gathering their forces for a significant battle.

The locations mentioned—Shochoh (modern Khirbet Shuweikeh) and Azekah (modern Tell Zakariya), both belonging to Judah—pinpoint the battleground to the famous Valley of Elah. This valley was a crucial geographical corridor, making its control vital for both the Philistines' expansion into the Judean hills and Israel's defense of its heartland. The Philistines' encampment "between Shochoh and Azekah" indicates a strategic position, likely on a ridge overlooking the valley, facing the Israelite forces.

The name Ephesdammim, also mentioned as the gathering place, is a localized point within this region, further emphasizing the precision of the biblical account.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Strategic Confrontation: The meticulous detailing of the Philistines' assembly underscores their intent for a decisive battle against Israel, indicating a well-organized military threat.
  • Territorial Dispute: The locations' belonging to Judah highlights the constant struggle for control over Israelite territory, a recurring and critical theme throughout the books of Samuel. This battle was not just a skirmish but a fight for land and sovereignty.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: While seemingly just a military report, this verse is the opening act of a profound divine drama. It meticulously positions the adversaries, preparing the scene for God to demonstrate His power through an unexpected champion, foreshadowing the Lord's deliverance in battle, not by conventional human might.

Linguistic Insights

The name Ephesdammim (אֶפֶס דַּמִּים) is particularly evocative. Depending on the vocalization, it can mean "boundary of blood" or "cessation of blood" (perhaps implying a place where blood would be shed to end the conflict). This name eerily foreshadows the bloody confrontation and ultimate victory that is about to unfold in the valley, giving a deeper layer of meaning to the chosen battleground.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that significant events often begin with seemingly mundane preparations. Just as the Philistines gathered their forces, we too face "battles" in life—challenges that require spiritual readiness and an understanding of the forces at play. It highlights God's sovereignty, even in the details of conflict. The stage is set, and the players are positioned, all according to a larger divine plan. This can offer comfort that even in our own challenging circumstances, God is at work, orchestrating events for His purposes, much like He was preparing the way for David's rise as a leader. Understanding the context of a conflict is crucial; knowing the 'where' and 'who' helps us appreciate the scale of the challenge and the magnitude of the victory that follows.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:35 (5 votes)

    Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

  • 1 Chronicles 11:13 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    [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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.