The Elah Valley was the location for David’s victory over Goliath the Philistine recorded in 1 Samuel 17.

The Elah Valley winds through the Shephelah and up into the Mountains of Judea as one of the four ancient roads that led up to Jerusalem. Holding this location would have been pivotal for Saul and his army, but at the beginning of 1 Samuel 17 it is clear that the gate city of Azekah had fallen and the Philistines were advancing. The battle would be Israel’s last stand.

1 Samuel 17 is the only specific mention of the Elah Valley in the Bible.