1 Samuel 17:2
1 Samuel 17:2 in Multiple Translations
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.
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.
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel came together and took up their position in the valley of Elah, and put their forces in order against the Philistines.
Saul and the Israelites gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah and took up their positions to engage in battle with the Philistines.
And Saul, and the men of Israel assembled, and pitched in the valley of Elah, and put themselues in battell araie to meete the Philistims.
and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array to meet the Philistines.
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and encamped by the valley of Elah, and they set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul and the children of Israel being gathered together came to the valley of Terebinth, and they set the army in array to fight against the Philistines.
Saul gathered the Israeli army near Elah Valley, and they set up their tents. Then they all took their places, ready to fight the Philistines.
Saul gathered the Israel soldiers together, and they camped in the valley called Elah. They got ready there to fight with the Philistia soldiers.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁא֤וּל
וְ/אִֽישׁ
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
בְּ/עֵ֣מֶק
הָאֵלָ֑ה
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֥וּ
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
לִ/קְרַ֥את
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
וְ/שָׁא֤וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Conj | N-proper
וְ/אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּ/עֵ֣מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Prep | N-ms
הָאֵלָ֑ה
ʼÊlâh
H425
Elah
N-proper
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֥וּ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
לִ/קְרַ֥את
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:2
וְ/שָׁא֤וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Conj | N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וְ/אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בְּ/עֵ֣מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Prep | N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
הָאֵלָ֑ה
ʼÊlâh
H425
"Elah"
N-proper
Elah refers to a place in Palestine or the name of several Israelites and an Edomite, meaning an oak valley. It appears in the Bible as a location and a personal name. In 1 Samuel 17:2, the Valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath.
Definition: Elah = "An oak" Combined with " Valley" (e.meq עֵ֫מֶק H6010I)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Elah. See also: Genesis 36:41; 1 Kings 16:14; 1 Chronicles 9:8.
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֥וּ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
לִ/קְרַ֥את
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:2
Context — Goliath’s Challenge
1Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
2Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.
3The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them. 4Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 21:9 | The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 17:19 | They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” |
1 Samuel 17:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Saul and the men of Israel got ready to fight against the Philistines in the Valley of Elah. They were preparing for a big battle, just like we prepare for spiritual battles in our own lives (Ephesians 6:10-18). The Israelites were trying to trust in their own strength, but we can learn from their example that true strength comes from trusting in God (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God, we can face our own challenges with courage and faith, just like David did when he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul and the men of Israel assemble in the Valley of Elah?
They assembled to prepare for battle against the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:2, in response to the Philistines gathering their forces for war in Judah, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:1.
What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to array themselves for battle?
We can learn about the importance of being prepared to stand against spiritual enemies, as taught in Ephesians 6:10-18, and trusting in God's power and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 1 Samuel?
This verse sets the stage for the famous battle between David and Goliath, highlighting the contrast between the faith of the Israelites and the trust of David in God, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
What does the Valley of Elah represent in this biblical account?
The Valley of Elah represents the physical and spiritual battlefield where the Israelites faced their enemies, similar to how believers today face spiritual battles, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are the spiritual battles that I am facing today, and how can I prepare myself for them?
- In what ways can I array myself for battle, like the Israelites, by putting on the armor of God?
- How can I trust in God's power and guidance, like David, when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?
- What can I learn from the Israelites' decision to stand against the Philistines, and how can I apply that to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:2
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together,.... He being cured, at least being better of his disorder, through the music of David, and alarmed and aroused by the invasion of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:2
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.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
1 Samuel 17:2 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.Ver. 2. By the valley of Elah.] So called from the store of oaks that grew there. Ad convallem querceti. Tremel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
Verse 2. The valley of Elah] Some translate this the turpentine valley, or the valley of the terebinth trees; and others, the valley of oaks. The situation of this valley is well known.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:2
2. by the valley of Elah] Rather, “in the valley of Elah.”
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 17:2
The valley of Elah - i. e., of the terebinth, now called Wady es Sunt, from the acacias which are scattered in it.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
2. The valley of Elah — The Wady es-Sumt, which has been often visited by travellers, and is represented by all as corresponding fully to the statements of this narrative.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Merry Heart! by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in the lives of believers. He describes God as a blessing, a fountain, a library, and a source of nourishment. The pre |