Valley Of Elah

This map of the Valley of Elah traces the sinuous wadi that threads east-to-west through the gentle chalk hills of the Judean Shephelah, spotlighting the arena where young David confronted Goliath. It begins near Sochoh and Azekah-towns the Philistines “drew up in battle array” against Israel (1 Samuel 17:1)-then follows the seasonal brook whose smooth stones still invite reflection on the shepherd’s sling. By plotting the ridge road that climbs eastward toward Bethlehem and Jerusalem, the cartography shows why this ravine served as a gateway: whoever held Elah controlled access from the Philistine coastal plain to the Judean highlands. The map also marks contour lines that create a natural amphitheater, helping modern readers envision two armies facing off on opposing slopes while David proclaimed, “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). In illustrating fields, ancient terrace walls, and nearby strongholds such as Khirbet Qeiyafa (likely Shaaraim), the graphic underscores how this seemingly modest valley became a watershed of faith-where the Lord used an overlooked youth to topple a giant and vindicate His covenant people.