◄ 1 Samuel 17:2 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.

New Living Translation
Saul countered by gathering his Israelite troops near the valley of Elah.

English Standard Version
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines.

Berean Standard Bible
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.

King James Bible
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

New King James Version
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and they encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array against the Philistines.

New American Standard Bible
Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, and they drew up in battle formation to confront the Philistines.

NASB 1995
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines.

NASB 1977
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah and arranged themselves for battle to meet the Philistines.

Amplified Bible
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together and they camped in the Valley of Elah, and assembled in battle formation to meet the Philistines.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah; then they lined up in battle formation to face the Philistines.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah; then they lined up in battle formation to face the Philistines.

American Standard Version
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

English Revised Version
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Saul and the army of Israel assembled and camped in the Elah Valley. They formed a battle line to fight the Philistines.

Good News Translation
Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in Elah Valley, where they got ready to fight the Philistines.

International Standard Version
Saul and the Israelis assembled and camped in the valley of Elah, where they set up their forces to meet the Philistines.

Majority Standard Bible
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.

NET Bible
Saul and the Israelite army assembled and camped in the valley of Elah, where they arranged their battle lines to fight against the Philistines.

New Heart English Bible
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and camped in the Valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and encamped by the valley of Elah, and they set the battle in array against the Philistines.

World English Bible
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the Valley of Elah, and set in array [for] battle to meet the Philistines.

Young's Literal Translation
and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array to meet the Philistines.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul and the man Israel were gathered together, and they will encamp in the valley of Elah, and they arranged the battle to meet the rovers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul and the children of Israel being gathered together came to the valley of Terebinth, and they set the army in array to fight against the Philistines.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Saul and the sons of Israel, having gathered together, went to the Valley of Terebinth. And they positioned the army so as to fight against the Philistines.

New American Bible
Saul and the Israelites rallied and camped in the valley of the Elah, drawing up their battle line to meet the Philistines.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul and the Israelites gathered and encamped in the valley of Elah, and formed ranks against the Philistines.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Terebinth, and they set the army in array to fight against the Philistines.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley that is in Temtha and they set themselves in array for war against the Philistines
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul and the men of Israel gather together, and they encamp in the valley, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Goliath's Challenge
1Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. 2Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. 3The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Joshua 11:4-5
So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. / All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.

Judges 3:27-29
On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader. / “Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over. / At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all robust and valiant men. Not one of them escaped.

2 Samuel 21:15-22
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.” ...

1 Chronicles 11:13-14
He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

Psalm 18:39
You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Isaiah 31:4
For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.

Jeremiah 46:3-4
“Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! / Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!

Ezekiel 38:7
Get ready; prepare yourself, you and all your company gathered around you; you will be their guard.

Matthew 10:34
Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Luke 22:36
“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

the valley

1 Samuel 17:19
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

1 Samuel 21:9
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

Jump to Previous
Array Assembled Battle Camped Drew Elah Encamp Encamped Encounter Israel Israelites Line Philistines Pitched Position Saul Terebinths Together Vale Valley
Jump to Next
Array Assembled Battle Camped Drew Elah Encamp Encamped Encounter Israel Israelites Line Philistines Pitched Position Saul Terebinths Together 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














Berean Study Bible
Saul and the men of Israel
This phrase introduces us to the central figures of Israel's military force, led by King Saul. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God to lead His people. The "men of Israel" refers to the collective tribes of Israel, united under Saul's leadership. Historically, this period marks a time when Israel was transitioning from a loose confederation of tribes to a more centralized monarchy. The Hebrew root for "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el) means "God prevails," signifying the divine favor and covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.

assembled and camped
The act of assembling and camping indicates a strategic military preparation. In ancient warfare, assembling troops was a critical step in organizing for battle. The Hebrew word for "assembled" (אָסַף, asaph) implies gathering together for a purpose, highlighting the unity and readiness of Israel's forces. "Camped" (חָנָה, chanah) suggests a temporary settlement, a common practice in military campaigns, where soldiers would establish a base of operations.

in the Valley of Elah
The Valley of Elah is a significant geographical location in biblical history. Situated in the Shephelah region of Judah, it served as a natural battleground due to its open terrain. The name "Elah" (אֵלָה) means "terebinth," a type of tree common in the area, symbolizing strength and endurance. Archaeological evidence supports the Valley of Elah as a historical site, providing a tangible connection to the biblical narrative. This valley becomes the stage for the famous encounter between David and Goliath, underscoring the theme of divine intervention in seemingly impossible situations.

drew up a battle line
This phrase describes the tactical arrangement of troops in preparation for combat. The Hebrew term for "drew up" (עָרַךְ, arakh) conveys the idea of setting in order or arranging, emphasizing the organized and deliberate approach to warfare. The "battle line" (מַעֲרָכָה, ma'arakhah) represents the front line of soldiers, ready to engage the enemy. This preparation reflects the seriousness of the impending conflict and the need for discipline and courage among the troops.

to meet the Philistines
The Philistines were a formidable adversary of Israel, often depicted as a symbol of opposition to God's people. Historically, the Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. Their advanced military technology, including iron weaponry, posed a significant threat to Israel. The phrase "to meet the Philistines" indicates the inevitability of confrontation, as Israel was called to defend their land and uphold God's promises. This encounter sets the stage for God's deliverance through David, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Pulpit Commentary
Verses 2, 3. - The valley of Elah. I.e. of the terebinth tree. A valley between them. Conder ('Tent Work,' 2:160) describes the spot from personal observation thus: "Saul, coming down by the highway from the land of Benjamin, encamped by the valley on one of the low hills; and between the two hosts was the gai or ravine." In the A.V. no exactness of rendering is ever attempted, and both the emek, the broad strath or valley of Elah, with gently sloping sides, and the flag, the narrow, precipitous ravine, are equally rendered valley. Really the gai is most remarkable, and fully explains how the two hosts could remain in face of one another so long without fighting; for Conder proceeds, "Two points require to be made clear as to the episode of David's battle with Goliath: one was the meaning of the expression gai or ravine; the other was the source whence David took the 'smooth stones.' A visit to the spot explains both. In the middle of the broad, open valley we found a deep trench with vertical sides, impassable except at certain places - a valley in a valley, and a natural barrier between the two hosts. The sides and bed of this trench are strewn with rounded and waterworn pebbles, which would have been well fitted for David's sling. Here, then, we may picture to ourselves the two hosts, covering the low, rocky hills opposite to each other, and half hidden among the lentisk bushes. Between them was the rich expanse of ripening barley, and the red banks of the torrent, with its white, shingly bed. Behind all were the distant blue hill walls of Judah, whence Saul had just come down. The mail clad champion advanced from the west through the low corn, with his mighty lance perhaps tufted with feathers, his brazen helmet shining in the sun. From the east a ruddy boy in his white shirt and sandals, armed with a goat's hair sling, came down to the brook, and, according to the poetic fancy of the Rabbis, the pebbles were given voices, and cried, 'By us shalt thou overcome the giant.' The champion fell from an unseen cause, and the wild Philistines fled to the mouth of the valley, where Gath stood towering on its white chalk cliff, a frontier fortress, the key to the high road leading to the corn lands of Judah and to the vineyards of Hebron."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
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 the men
וְאִֽישׁ־ (wə·’îš-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

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

assembled
נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ (ne·’es·p̄ū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

and camped
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ (way·ya·ḥă·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

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

arraying themselves
וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ (way·ya·‘ar·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

for battle
מִלְחָמָ֖ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

against
לִקְרַ֥את (liq·raṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7122: To encounter, befall

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


Links
1 Samuel 17:2 NIV
1 Samuel 17:2 NLT
1 Samuel 17:2 ESV
1 Samuel 17:2 NASB
1 Samuel 17:2 KJV

1 Samuel 17:2 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 17:2 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 17:2 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 17:2 French Bible
1 Samuel 17:2 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 17:2 Saul and the men of Israel were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:1
Top of Page
Top of Page