Etymology and Location:
Sochoh, also spelled Socoh or Sokoh, is a town mentioned in the Bible, located in the territory of Judah. The name "Sochoh" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to hedge" or "to fence," suggesting a place that is fortified or enclosed. There are two locations named Sochoh in the biblical narrative, both situated in the region allotted to the tribe of Judah. The more prominent Sochoh is situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, approximately 14 miles southwest of Jerusalem. The other Sochoh is located in the hill country of Judah.

Biblical References:
Sochoh is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament. One of the most notable references is found in the context of the battle between David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:1, the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Sochoh in Judah: "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 location served as a strategic military site due to its position in the valley of Elah, where the famous confrontation between David and Goliath took place.

In Joshua 15:35, Sochoh is listed among the towns in the lowland region of Judah: "Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah" . This passage highlights its inclusion in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, emphasizing its significance within the tribal boundaries.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
The site of Sochoh has been identified with modern-day Khirbet Shuweikeh, where archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era. The strategic location of Sochoh in the Shephelah made it a significant site for military and trade purposes. The valley of Elah, where Sochoh is located, served as a natural corridor connecting the coastal plains with the hill country, making it a vital area for controlling movement and trade routes.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Sochoh's mention in the narrative of David and Goliath underscores its role as a backdrop for one of the most iconic accounts in the Bible. This event is not only a historical account but also a theological narrative illustrating God's deliverance and the triumph of faith over physical might. The location of Sochoh in this account serves to remind readers of the tangible settings where God's providence and power were demonstrated.

The town's inclusion in the list of Judah's cities also reflects the broader theme of God's promise and faithfulness in granting the land to the descendants of Abraham. Sochoh, as part of Judah's inheritance, symbolizes the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

Conclusion:
While Sochoh may not be as frequently mentioned as other biblical locations, its role in the narrative of David and Goliath and its strategic importance in the region of Judah highlight its significance in biblical history. The archaeological findings and geographical insights continue to provide a deeper understanding of its place in the biblical world.Sochoh

another form of the name which is more correctly given in the Authorized version as Socoh. The present one occurs in (1 Kings 4:10) and is therefore probably, though not certainly, Socoh, 1.

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 - 6kSochoh (4 Occurrences)
...Sochoh (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:35 Jarmuth and Adullam, Sochoh and Azekah, (DBY).
Joshua 15:48 And in the hill-country: Shamir, and Jattir, and Sochoh, (DBY). ...
/s/sochoh.htm - 7k

Society (4 Occurrences)

/s/society.htm - 8k

Assembled (186 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1 And the Philistines assembled their armies to battle, and were gathered
together at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Sochoh...
/a/assembled.htm - 36k

Aruboth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aruboth (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:10 The son of Hesed,
in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher: (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/a/aruboth.htm - 7k

Soco (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1); it is mentioned as one of the districts from which Solomon drew
his supplies (1 Kings 4:10, the King James Version "Sochoh"); the association ...
/s/soco.htm - 10k

Socho (1 Occurrence)

/s/socho.htm - 8k

Socoh (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:1); it is mentioned as one of the districts from which Solomon drew
his supplies (1 Kings 4:10, the King James Version "Sochoh"); the association ...
/s/socoh.htm - 10k

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