Ephes-dammim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the early Israelite monarchy and the military conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines. The name "Ephes-dammim" is understood to mean "boundary of blood" or "edge of blood," which may reflect its historical significance as a site of conflict.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 17:1 : "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim." This verse situates Ephes-dammim as the location where the Philistines encamped before the famous battle in which David defeated Goliath. The site is strategically positioned between Socoh and Azekah, two towns in the territory of Judah, indicating its importance as a military staging ground.

2. 1 Chronicles 11:13 : "He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a plot of ground full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines." This passage refers to a similar location, Pas-dammim, which is often considered synonymous with Ephes-dammim. It highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines and underscores the bravery of David and his men in the face of adversity.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ephes-dammim is located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains controlled by the Philistines and the hill country inhabited by the Israelites. This area was frequently contested due to its fertile land and strategic importance.

The mention of Ephes-dammim in the narrative of David and Goliath emphasizes the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines during the reign of King Saul. The Philistines, a seafaring people with advanced military technology, posed a significant threat to the nascent Israelite kingdom. The battle at Ephes-dammim, therefore, represents a critical moment in Israel's struggle for survival and sovereignty.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Ephes-dammim serves as a backdrop for one of the most iconic demonstrations of faith and divine intervention in the Bible. David's victory over Goliath at this location is often interpreted as a testament to God's power and favor upon those who trust in Him. The narrative underscores the theme of God's deliverance and the triumph of faith over seemingly insurmountable odds.

The account of Ephes-dammim also highlights the role of divine providence in the establishment of David as a central figure in Israel's history. David's courage and reliance on God at Ephes-dammim foreshadow his future as the king of Israel and a man after God's own heart.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of Ephes-dammim remains uncertain, it is generally associated with the region near the modern-day Elah Valley. Archaeological findings in this area have provided insights into the historical context of the biblical narrative, including evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications that align with the descriptions of military activity in the biblical text.

In summary, Ephes-dammim is a significant biblical site that encapsulates the historical, theological, and cultural dynamics of ancient Israel during the time of the early monarchy. Its mention in the context of David's victory over Goliath serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring themes of faith, courage, and divine intervention in the biblical narrative.Ephes-Dammim

effusion of blood

Boundary of blood, a place in the tribe of Judah where the Philistines encamped when David fought with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1). It was probably so called as having been the scene of frequent sanguinary conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. It is called Pas-dammim (1 Chronicles 11:13). It has been identified with the modern Beit Fased, i.e., "house of bleeding", near Shochoh (q.v.). EPHES-DAMMIM

e-fes-dam'-im ('ephec dammim):

Some spot between Socoh and Azekah (1 Samuel 17:1) where the Philistines were encamped; called in 1 Chronicles 11:13, "Pas-dammin." Ephes" end of" or "boundary" and the whole word may mean the "boundary of blood." The deep red color of the newly plowed earth in this situation is noticeable and may have given origin to the idea of "blood" (compare ADUMMIM). Cheyne suggests that from 'adhummin, to dammim, is an easy step, and that the former, meaning "red brown earth," may have been the original. No other satisfactory locality has been found to explain the name or fix the site.

E. W. G. Masterman

658b. Ephes Dammim -- a place in Judah
Ephes Dammim. 658a, 658b. Ephes Dammim. 659 . a place in Judah.
Transliteration: Ephes Dammim Short Definition: Ephes-dammim. ...
/hebrew/658b.htm - 5k

658. Ephec Dammiym -- the two extremities (ie the soles of the ...
... Ephes-dammim From 'ephec and the plural of dam; boundary of blood-drops; Ephes-Dammim,
a place in Palestine -- Ephes- dammim. see HEBREW 'ephec. see HEBREW dam. ...
/hebrew/658.htm - 5k

David's victory Over the Giant
... depart from him. Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war, and
camped between Socoh and Ezekah in Ephesdammim. Saul and ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Ephesdammim (1 Occurrence)
... qv). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EPHES-DAMMIM. e-fes ... site. EWG Masterman.
Multi-Version Concordance Ephesdammim (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel ...
/e/ephesdammim.htm - 8k

Ephes-dammim (1 Occurrence)
Ephes-dammim. Ephesdammim, Ephes-dammim. E'phes-Dam'mim . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Ephesdammim, Ephes-dammim. E'phes-Dam'mim . Reference Bible.
/e/ephes-dammim.htm - 8k

E'phes-Dam'mim (1 Occurrence)
... and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between
Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. (See RSV). Ephes-dammim, E'phes-Dam ...
/e/e'phes-dam'mim.htm - 6k

Ephes (1 Occurrence)
... together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/e/ephes.htm - 6k

Pas-dammim (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The border of blood = Ephes-dammim (qv), between Shochoh
and Azekah (1 Samuel 17:1; 1 Chronicles 11:13). Int. ... See EPHES-DAMMIM. ...
/p/pas-dammim.htm - 7k

Pasdammim (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The border of blood = Ephes-dammim (qv), between Shochoh
and Azekah (1 Samuel 17:1; 1 Chronicles 11:13). Int. ... See EPHES-DAMMIM. ...
/p/pasdammim.htm - 7k

Goliath (6 Occurrences)
... 21:19 1 Chronicles 20:5). He defied the armies of Israel, challenging anyone to
meet him in single combat while the two armies faced each other at Ephesdammim. ...
/g/goliath.htm - 12k

Dammim (3 Occurrences)
... together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/d/dammim.htm - 7k

Belongeth (36 Occurrences)
... together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth
to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. ...
/b/belongeth.htm - 17k

Aze'kah (6 Occurrences)
... together their armies to battle, and they were gathered together at Socoh, which
belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. ...
/a/aze'kah.htm - 7k

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