Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
Saul with all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. It was the setting David came to visit for his encounter with Goliath. That setting marks the danger and crisis facing Israel in the battle.
Israel was paralyzed by fear of Goliath, while Saul's own fear and changing orders left the army without leadership or confidence in God's deliverance. In contrast to the fearful army, David trusted in God rather than in weapons or human strength.
This conflict is connected with David's slaying of the Philistine champion, an event that later made him recognizable to the king of Gath.
Saul with all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. It was the setting David came to visit for his encounter with Goliath. That setting marks the danger and crisis facing Israel in the battle.
Israel was paralyzed by fear of Goliath, while Saul's own fear and changing orders left the army without leadership or confidence in God's deliverance. In contrast to the fearful army, David trusted in God rather than in weapons or human strength.
This conflict is connected with David's slaying of the Philistine champion, an event that later made him recognizable to the king of Gath.