Valley of Elah, Israel: David & Goliath Battle: 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!

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?

[diannealice]

It is so comforting to listen to your historical/geographical talks from the Holy Bible. Thank you and God bless you.

[awakenyewhosleeprealityisn]

I truly love this man’s work and appreciate him and his team very much. May the only Living God continue to bless his ministry. 🙏🙏🏼

[Maxscout]

Unbelievable to see the exact spot!!! God bless you for sharing this

[mouetoo]

I'm a picture thinker and to actually SEE where all these biblical stories happened is just so cool! Maybe someday I'll actually set foot on the biblical land😊 God bless you, sir.

[gaikamei]

Thank you Pastor from India Northeast.

[hacerclic]

I am enjoying this series. The aerial views are really helpful in picturing these scenes from the Bible.

[wesschaffran]

Thank you so much for this video. Your words at the end really resonated with me. I appreciate your teachings.

[praisethelord]

VERY NICE...THANK YOU! PRAISE THE LORD!

[tteeiiggeeii]

"the battle belongs to the Lord " ❣️

[amalababu]

It's once again lead into deeper understanding with respect to landscape. Thank God for giving this privilege through Dr
Congrats 💐👏

[ginashiel]

Always enjoy your Bible studies, always food for thought.I pray you can continue to with these Bible studies.

[jbrinkley-tr]

Beautiful description of that fantastic battle. I felt like I was there! Thank you Pastor very much. Amen.

[alberttuialii]

Thank you so much
Love this channel
I learned a lot from this channel God bless

[mmaSpencer]

This was amazing! Thank you! May God continue to bless this ministry.

[anvilthomas]

Thank for sharing Pastor I hope to visit the Holy Lands one day. God Bless you sir

[leishakelly]

You certainly have God's hand upon you Pastor. Your messages are so powerful. Thank you so much for your ministry and taking me to places I have only dreamed of going. God bless you and yours.

[rodlapuz]

You're an amazing speaker and presenter ❤️. God bless you Pastor 🙏

[sejem]

Amazing, inspiring message for the believers : the faith, courage of king David, threats around us in these days, pray that Our GOD whom we worship equip us with Armours of Deep Faith n Trust like king David....we 'll surely prevail over our enemies...In HIS NAME ..
AMEN

[marcbass]

I wish I was with you all to experience this as you have, what an amazing journey to be apart of and see first hand the biblical truths and geographical insights. Thankyou

[pravinshingadia]

Brilliant video and you are an awesome teacher! Thank you.