1 Samuel 17 2

1 Samuel 17:2 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 17:2 nkjv

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.

1 Samuel 17:2 niv

Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.

1 Samuel 17:2 esv

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.

1 Samuel 17:2 nlt

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

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 2 Meaning

This verse describes the military gathering and strategic positioning of King Saul and the Israelite army in the Valley of Elah, directly facing the Philistine forces. It sets the scene for a significant confrontation, highlighting Israel's preparations for battle against their primary adversaries. The physical positioning indicates a deliberate choice to engage, forming their ranks to meet the enemy.

1 Samuel 17 2 Context

Chapter 17 opens immediately with the Philistines gathering for war at Socoh in Judah, before moving to encamp between Socoh and Azekah. This verse describes Israel's parallel movement and encampment. This confrontation is part of a long-standing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, who frequently harassed Israel's western border and sought dominance. Prior to this, Saul has been king for some time, but his reign has been marked by a decline due to his disobedience, particularly concerning the Amalekites (1 Sam 15). The Philistines, a formidable military power, pose a constant threat to Israel, and this particular engagement is presented as a major showdown in the ongoing struggle for regional supremacy. The Valley of Elah (Valley of the Terebinth) is strategically significant, a natural barrier, making it a natural location for such an impasse, preventing a direct push into each other's territory.

1 Samuel 17 2 Word analysis

• Saul: Refers to King Saul, Israel's first king, chosen by God but recently rejected for his disobedience (1 Sam 15). His leadership here is critical yet problematic, setting the stage for his inadequacy later in the chapter. His presence underscores the official state of war.
• and: Connects the actions of Saul and the men of Israel, emphasizing their collective movement.
• all the men of Israel: Indicates a national call to arms, suggesting a large contingent of fighting men. It highlights the unified response (at least physically) to the Philistine threat, representing the military might of the nation.
• were gathered: From Hebrew "קָבַץ" (qavats), meaning to assemble or collect. It denotes a deliberate act of mustering forces, signifying preparation for a large-scale military operation. This gathering is in direct response to the Philistine mobilization (1 Sam 17:1).
• and pitched by: "Pitched" is from "חָנָה" (khanah), meaning to encamp or settle, usually in a military sense. This implies establishing a military camp, a base of operations, where the army would reside, strategize, and prepare. It indicates a temporary, but significant, occupation of the terrain.
• the valley of Elah: Hebrew "עֵמֶק הָאֵלָה" (Emek Ha'Elah), meaning "Valley of the Terebinth" or "Valley of the Oak." A significant topographical feature in the Shephelah (foothills) of Judah, crucial for its strategic bottleneck. This specific location forces a direct confrontation and creates a natural arena for the impending battle. It is remembered specifically for the Goliath encounter.
• and arrayed for battle: From Hebrew "עָרַךְ מַעֲרָכָה" (arakh ma'arakhah), literally "set a battle array" or "put in order for battle." This is a precise military term meaning to draw up troops into a formal line of engagement, forming a front against the enemy. It shows their readiness and intentionality for direct conflict, indicating their posture was one of confrontation, not retreat.
• against the Philistines: Clearly states the enemy, emphasizing the ongoing, historical struggle between these two peoples. The Philistines represent a significant existential threat to Israel, particularly under Saul's unsteady leadership. This clash is a defining moment in Israel's early monarchy.

Words-group analysis:

• Saul and all the men of Israel were gathered: This phrase underscores the unified, national response led by the king. It reflects the standard practice of the time for the king to lead the army, embodying the nation's military strength.
• and pitched by the valley of Elah, and arrayed for battle: This sequence describes a complete military action: assembling, establishing a position, and preparing for combat. The Valley of Elah becomes the defined theater of war, and "arrayed for battle" emphasizes the formalized, committed posture of readiness, facing down their opponents directly.
• arrayed for battle against the Philistines: This highlights the direct confrontation. The Philistines were perennial enemies of Israel, often possessing superior military technology and organization (e.g., iron weaponry). This specific engagement in this specific valley is not a skirmish but a prepared, decisive stand against a long-standing formidable foe.

1 Samuel 17 2 Bonus section

The Valley of Elah holds significance beyond its military advantages. Its name, referencing the terebinth tree (a long-living tree, often a landmark), connects it to Israel's ancestral land. Historically, such valleys were often used for seasonal pasture but also became common battlegrounds where two forces would meet. The proximity of both armies on opposite sides of the valley, described further in verse 3, suggests a stalemate, where direct frontal assault up or down the slopes would be extremely costly. This geographical standoff explains the need for a champion to break the impasse. The Philistines often exerted control over key trade routes and agricultural lands, making this clash critical for Israel's autonomy and food security. Saul's deployment signifies his traditional role as a military leader, yet his prior failures underscore the nation's spiritual vulnerability even in a position of apparent military strength.

1 Samuel 17 2 Commentary

Verse 1 Samuel 17:2 succinctly describes the initial strategic movements of the Israelite army under King Saul, in direct response to the Philistine advance. It establishes the critical geographical setting—the Valley of Elah—a natural amphitheater for battle. The actions of "gathering," "pitching," and "arraying for battle" portray a formal and deliberate preparation for a large-scale military confrontation. While indicating tactical readiness, the verse implicitly hints at the impending spiritual and leadership crisis of Saul's reign, where the formidable display of human military might will ultimately prove insufficient without divine favor, setting the stage for David's faith-driven victory.