The Valley of Elah was my destination one fine October day in 2001. I was in Jerusalem, Israel celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles or Succoth when Gregory, my brother in Christ, decided to rent a couple of vans. When he said we were going to visit the Valley of Elah I was a little unsure of our destination, but went along for the ride nonetheless. The Valley of Elah is not on many tourists' itineraries for there are no monuments, shrines, or churches to commemorate the spot. However, I found the visit well worth it as God has since opened my eyes to the scriptures as never before. He continues to teach me His eternal truths even as I reflect back on my trip and re-read the passage in 1st Samuel 17.

The Valley of Elah is only mentioned three times in the Bible and each time it is in the context of David defeating the Philistine giant, Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:2 we read, "Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines." And in 1 Samuel 21:9 we read, "The priest [Ahimelech] 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 it, take it; there is no sword here but that one.' David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'"

My excitement increased as I learned the Valley of Elah was where David had fought and killed Goliath. I had heard the story of David and Goliath many times since I was a small child, yet now I was blessed to stand where David once stood. Like David, I carefully chose five smooth stones from the brook. The brook or streambed was dry that October and a non-essential discussion followed as to the type and size of rocks David would have selected to place in his shepherd's bag.

David was feeding his father's sheep at Bethlehem when he was instructed by his father, Jesse, to take "cheese sandwiches" and "trail mix" to his three oldest brothers; Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah. In 1 Samuel 17:19 we read, "They [David's brothers] are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines." Your version of the Bible probably does not say, "cheese sandwiches" or "trail mix," yet in verses 17 and 18 Jesse tells David to take ten loaves of bread, ten cheeses, and an ephah of dried grain to his brothers. God had plans for David in the Valley of Elah. Yet, these plans would have never taken place if he had not obeyed the words of his earthly father.

It was in the Valley of Elah where David indeed fought the Philistine giant, yet it was also there that God revealed His love for Israel. King Saul and his army were in a forty day stand-off with the Philistines as in verse 16 we read, "For forty days the Philistine [Goliath] came forward every morning and evening and took his stand." The Israelites were certainly involved in a physical battle with the Philistines and from a physical standpoint all looked hopeless. In 1 Samuel 17:24 it was in the Valley of Elah where, "When the Israelites saw the man [Goliath], they all ran from him in great fear." They were afraid and did not know what to do.

King Saul, Eliab (David's oldest brother), and Goliath all viewed David as merely a lad. They failed to see the battle as a Spiritual one. (See verses 28, 33, and 42.) Yet, David knew in his heart that he could defeat Goliath with the Lord's help. It was because of his relationship with his God and because of the times God had proven Himself faithful that David was able to say in 1 Samuel 17:37, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

David knew the battle was much more than a physical confrontation for in 1 Samuel 17:45 he said to Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." And in 1 Samuel 17:47 we read, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give all of you into our hands."

The Lord certainly was with David in the Valley of Elah, yet there are times in our lives when we also go through valley experiences and often fail to realize God is with us. I pray we would become more like David and learn to look to God for strength when we experience valleys where the enemy surrounds us, when we are fearful of the outcome, and when circumstances appear hopeless. May we give God the praise for the times He has walked with us and has brought us out of the valleys; i.e. the lion and bear experiences.

We read in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." May we also find encouragement in the words found in Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." May we find hope, strength, and peace in our Lord who is our help in times of trouble. Amen.