Shochoh, also spelled Socoh or Socho, is a town mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, primarily within the context of the tribal allotments and historical narratives of ancient Israel. It is located in the territory of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Shochoh is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "hedge" or "fence," which may suggest a fortified or enclosed settlement.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:35 · Shochoh is listed among the towns in the lowland region of Judah. The verse states: "Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah." This indicates its geographical placement within the Shephelah, a region characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys.

2. 1 Samuel 17:1 · Shochoh gains particular prominence in the narrative of David and Goliath. The Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. The verse reads: "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim." This location served as the backdrop for the famous confrontation between the young shepherd David and the giant warrior Goliath.

3. 1 Chronicles 4:18 · Shochoh is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. The verse refers to a descendant of Judah: "His Judean wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Socoh, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah." This indicates the town's continued significance within the tribal lineage.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

Shochoh is identified with the modern site of Khirbet Abbad, located southwest of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era of the Judges and the United Monarchy. The strategic location of Shochoh in the Shephelah made it a site of military importance, as evidenced by its role in the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.

Theological Significance:

Shochoh's mention in the context of David and Goliath highlights the theme of divine deliverance and the triumph of faith over physical might. The narrative underscores the belief that God empowers the faithful to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Shochoh serves as a reminder of God's providence and the importance of trust in His plans.

Cultural and Religious Context:

In the broader cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, towns like Shochoh were integral to the identity and heritage of the tribes. They were centers of agricultural production, trade, and community life. The biblical references to Shochoh reflect its role in the unfolding account of God's covenant people and their interactions with neighboring nations.

Shochoh's legacy in the biblical narrative continues to inspire faith and courage, serving as a testament to the enduring power of God's presence in the lives of His people.Shochoh

defense; a bough

Shochoh

(1 Samuel 17:1) same as Socoh.

SHOCHOH

sho'-ko (sokhoh, Codex Vaticanus Sokchoth; Codex Alexandrinus Okcho): This in 1 Samuel 17:1 the King James Version is a variant of SOCOH (which see).

7755. Sokoh -- two places in Judah
... Word Origin from the same as sok Definition two places in Judah NASB Word Usage
Soco (3), Socoh (5). Shocho, Shochoh, Sochoh, Soco, Socoh. ...
/hebrew/7755.htm - 6k

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... no very long time afterward; and having gotten together a great army, they made
war against the Israelites; and having seized a place between Shochoh and Azekah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the philistines.htm

Shochoh (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHOCHOH. sho'-ko (sokhoh, Codex ... which see).
Multi-Version Concordance Shochoh (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel ...
/s/shochoh.htm - 7k

Elah (17 Occurrences)
... It was near Shochoh of Judah and Azekah (17:1). It is the modern Wady es-Sunt, ie,
"valley of the acacia." "The terebinths from which the valley of Elah takes ...
/e/elah.htm - 17k

Belongeth (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and
were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched ...
/b/belongeth.htm - 17k

Shocho (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (2 Chronicles 28:18) = Shochoh (1 Samuel 17:1) = Shoco
(2 Chronicles 11:7). See SOCOH. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/shocho.htm - 7k

Camps (33 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1 And the Philistines gather their camps to battle, and are gathered
to Shochoh, which 'is' to Judah, and encamp between Shochoh and Azekah, in ...
/c/camps.htm - 16k

Collected (55 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines collected their armies to battle, and were assembled
at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and encamped between Shochoh and ...
/c/collected.htm - 23k

Shock (6 Occurrences)

/s/shock.htm - 9k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and
were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

Ephesdammim (1 Occurrence)
... It is called Pas-dammim (1 Chronicles 11:13). It has been identified with the modern
Beit Fased, ie, "house of bleeding", near Shochoh (qv). Int. ...
/e/ephesdammim.htm - 8k

Ephes-dammim (1 Occurrence)
... It is called Pas-dammim (1 Chronicles 11:13). It has been identified with the modern
Beit Fased, ie, "house of bleeding", near Shochoh (qv). Int. ...
/e/ephes-dammim.htm - 8k

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