Overview:
Shoco, also spelled Socoh or Sochoh, is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily recognized as a town in the territory of Judah, situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel. Shoco holds historical and theological significance due to its mention in the context of various biblical narratives, particularly in relation to the Philistines and the Israelites.

Biblical References:
Shoco is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament. One of the most notable references is found in 1 Samuel 17:1, where it is described as a location near the battlefield where David famously confronted Goliath. The verse states: "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes-dammim, between Socoh and Azekah" . This passage highlights Shoco's strategic importance as a military encampment site during the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.

Another reference to Shoco is found in Joshua 15:35, which lists it among the towns in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah: "Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah" . This inclusion underscores Shoco's role as part of the territorial allotment to Judah, emphasizing its integration into the tribal landscape of ancient Israel.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Shoco's location in the Shephelah places it within a region characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, making it a valuable area for agriculture and settlement. The Shephelah served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains occupied by the Philistines and the central highlands inhabited by the Israelites. This geographical positioning made Shoco a site of frequent military encounters, as evidenced by its mention in the narrative of David and Goliath.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Shoco was a fortified city during the Iron Age, with remains indicating the presence of defensive structures. These findings align with the biblical portrayal of Shoco as a significant location in the context of Israelite-Philistine conflicts.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, Shoco's mention in the account of David and Goliath serves as a backdrop for one of the most iconic demonstrations of faith and divine intervention in the Bible. The narrative illustrates the theme of God's deliverance and the triumph of faith over seemingly insurmountable odds. Shoco, as part of this account, becomes a symbol of the battleground where God's chosen servant, David, is empowered to defeat a formidable enemy, underscoring the belief in God's sovereignty and protection over His people.

Conclusion:
While Shoco may not be as frequently mentioned as other biblical locations, its role in the narrative of David and Goliath and its inclusion in the territorial descriptions of Judah highlight its importance in the biblical history of Israel. As a site of military significance and divine intervention, Shoco remains a point of interest for biblical scholars and believers alike, offering insights into the historical and spiritual landscape of ancient Israel.Shoco

(2 Chronicles 11:7) a variation in the Authorized Version of the name Socoh.

Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ...
... Solomon, who, as we said before, was king of the two tribes, built strong and large
cities, Bethlehem, and Etare, and Tekoa, and Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning rehoboam and.htm

Shoco (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shoco (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles
11:7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam, (KJV). ...
/s/shoco.htm - 6k

Soco (3 Occurrences)
... branches"), (sokho (in Chronicles only); Socho, most usual, but many forms in
Septuagint and in the King James Version: Socoh, Shochoh, Shoco, Shocho): (1) A ...
/s/soco.htm - 10k

Socoh (4 Occurrences)
... branches"), (sokho (in Chronicles only); Socho, most usual, but many forms in
Septuagint and in the King James Version: Socoh, Shochoh, Shoco, Shocho): (1) A ...
/s/socoh.htm - 10k

Bethzur (4 Occurrences)
... was the father of Bethzur. (KJV NAS RSV). 2 Chronicles 11:7 And Bethzur, and
Shoco, and Adullam, (KJV). Nehemiah 3:16 After him repaired ...
/b/bethzur.htm - 9k

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

Shocks (2 Occurrences)

/s/shocks.htm - 7k

Shod (5 Occurrences)

/s/shod.htm - 8k

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