1 Samuel 17:19
New International Version
They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”

New Living Translation
David’s brothers were with Saul and the Israelite army at the valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.

English Standard Version
Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

Berean Standard Bible
They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”

King James Bible
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

New King James Version
Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

New American Standard Bible
For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the Valley of Elah, fighting the Philistines.”

NASB 1995
“For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”

NASB 1977
“For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”

Amplified Bible
Now they are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”

Christian Standard Bible
They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines.”

American Standard Version
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the vale of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

Contemporary English Version
They're with Saul's army, fighting the Philistines in Elah Valley."

English Revised Version
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the vale of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They, along with Saul and all the soldiers of Israel, are in the Elah Valley fighting the Philistines."

Good News Translation
King Saul, your brothers, and all the other Israelites are in Elah Valley fighting the Philistines."

International Standard Version
Saul, your brothers, and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines."

Majority Standard Bible
They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.?

NET Bible
They are with Saul and the whole Israelite army in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines."

New Heart English Bible
Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

World English Bible
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, [are] in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul, and they, and every man of Israel, in the valley of Elah, warring with the rovers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Saul, and they, and all the children of Israel were in the valley of Terebinth fighting against the Philistines.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But they were in the valley of Terebinth, with Saul and all the sons of Israel, fighting against the Philistines.

New American Bible
Saul and your brothers, together with all Israel, are at war with the Philistines in the valley of the Elah.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now Saul and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Terebinth fighting with the Philistines.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul and all the men of Israel in the valley that is in Temtha were fighting with the Philistines
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, are in the vale of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.'

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Accepts the Challenge
18Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them. 19They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 20So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 16:14-23
Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. / Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you. / Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.” ...

1 Samuel 14:52
And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.

1 Samuel 13:5
Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.

1 Samuel 18:5-7
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well. / As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

1 Samuel 8:19-20
Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”

1 Samuel 12:12
But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.

1 Samuel 9:16
“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1 Samuel 11:11
The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together.

1 Samuel 15:1-3
Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

2 Samuel 21:15-17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”

2 Samuel 5:17-25
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...

2 Samuel 8:1-14
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

2 Samuel 10:6-19
When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. / On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. ...

2 Kings 3:21-27
Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. / When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

the valley Dr.

Jump to Previous
Elah Israel Philistines Saul Terebinths Vale Valley
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Elah Israel Philistines Saul Terebinths Vale Valley
1 Samuel 17
1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle
4. Goliath challenges a combat
12. David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge
28. Eliab chides him
30. He is brought to Saul
32. shows the reason of his confidence
38. and slays the giant
55. Saul takes notice of David














They are with Saul and all the men of Israel
This phrase situates the narrative within the larger context of Israel's ongoing struggle against the Philistines, a recurring enemy throughout the books of Samuel. Saul, the first king of Israel, is leading the Israelite army. This highlights the central role of Saul as a military leader, though his leadership is increasingly questioned due to his disobedience to God (1 Samuel 15:26). The presence of "all the men of Israel" underscores the national significance of this conflict, as the entire nation is represented in this battle. This gathering of Israel's forces can be seen as a fulfillment of the people's desire for a king to lead them in battle, as expressed in 1 Samuel 8:20.

in the Valley of Elah
The Valley of Elah is a significant geographical location, situated approximately 15 miles southwest of Jerusalem. It serves as a natural battleground due to its wide, open spaces. Archaeological findings, such as the ancient fortress at Khirbet Qeiyafa, provide evidence of the historical accuracy of this setting. The valley's strategic importance is underscored by its location between the Philistine cities and the heartland of Israel, making it a frequent site of conflict. The Valley of Elah is also notable for its association with the famous battle between David and Goliath, which occurs later in this chapter.

fighting against the Philistines.
The Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, known for their advanced military technology, including iron weaponry and chariots. Their presence in the land posed a significant threat to the Israelites, both militarily and culturally. The Philistines' repeated incursions into Israelite territory reflect the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region. This conflict is not only a physical battle but also a spiritual one, as the Philistines worshiped gods like Dagon, in contrast to the Israelites' worship of Yahweh. The battle against the Philistines can be seen as a type of the spiritual warfare faced by believers, with David's eventual victory over Goliath foreshadowing Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. He is leading the Israelite army against the Philistines.

2. The Men of Israel
The soldiers of Israel who are under King Saul's command, engaged in battle against their long-time enemies, the Philistines.

3. The Valley of Elah
A significant geographical location where the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines takes place. It is a valley in the territory of Judah.

4. The Philistines
A formidable enemy of Israel, often in conflict with them throughout the Old Testament. They are known for their military strength and opposition to God's people.

5. David
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, David is a central figure in this chapter. He is sent by his father to bring provisions to his brothers and ends up facing Goliath.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the intimidating presence of the Philistines, believers are reminded to trust in God's control over all circumstances.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
Like the Israelites facing the Philistines, Christians are called to stand firm in faith when confronted with challenges.

The Importance of Leadership
Saul's role as king highlights the impact of leadership on the morale and direction of God's people.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battle in the Valley of Elah serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face, emphasizing the need for reliance on God's strength.

God's Faithfulness
The account encourages believers to remember God's past faithfulness as a source of confidence in present struggles.(19) In the valley of Elan, fighting with the Philistines.--The words of this verse, which read in the English Version as an explanatory parenthesis, are really part of Jesse's direction to his shepherd son, telling him where he would find his brethren. "They are in the valley of the Terebinth (Elah), fighting with the Philistines."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They
וְהֵ֙מָּה֙ (wə·hêm·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are with Saul
וְשָׁא֤וּל (wə·šā·’ūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the men
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

in the Valley of Elah,
הָֽאֵלָ֑ה (hā·’ê·lāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 425: Elah -- 'terebinth', an Israelite name, also an Edomite name

fighting
נִלְחָמִ֖ים (nil·ḥā·mîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

against
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the Philistines.”
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:19 Now Saul and they and all (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:18
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