David & Goliath Battle: Valley of Elah, Israel. Israelites, Philistines, Azekah, Gath, Ashdod, Saul

See the amazing battle between David and Goliath and understand it like never before. Filmed on location in Israel. See all the sites and places, and learn new things about this story you never knew!
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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 killed by the Philistines in the Gilboa area.
9. David would eventually subdue the Philistines, and during the time of Solomon, there was peace between the two nations.
10. David was probably around 16–18 years old when he fought Goliath. We'll see this as the story unfolds.

Places of Interest
1. Israelite Camp
2. Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin
3. Valley of Elah
4. Tel Azekah
5. Tel Socoh (Socho)
6. HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones)
7. Battle Location
8. King David’s Palace (built when David became King as a memorial to his victory)

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 17:1–51

Faith Lesson from the Valley of Elah
1. The outcome of the battle was far more significant than we might realize. If the Israelites lost, they would become the servants of the Philistines. It was a “winner takes all” battle.
2. David’s motivation in the battle was the glory of God and the protection of His name. “So that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Sam. 17:46).
3. During David’s youth as a shepherd, he developed many skills. He learned music, how to write, use a sling, how to fight to protect his sheep, and how to love the Lord and obey Him.
4. God used David’s skill of using a sling, along with his love for the Lord, to defeat Goliath.
5. The skills David developed as a youth he used throughout his life. He faithfully led the nation Israel, he instilled a love for the Lord in his kingdom, and he wrote many Psalms that were not only used in his day but throughout history to this day.
6. David knew that it’s not the size of our weapons but the size of our faith in God that matters. He went into the battle full of faith, and confident God would give him the victory.
7. Do I understand that it’s my responsibility to develop my abilities, and it’s God’s responsibility to direct me in how I use them?
8. Do I realize that the most important skill I possess is my love for the Lord and my heart to obey Him?
9. What miracles might God want to do in my life that would show the whole earth that there is a God in the land?

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