("boundary of blood"); so-called from being the scene of bloody battles between Israel and the Philistines (See ELAH), i.e. the valley of the terebinth; contracted into PAS-DAMMIM (1 Chronicles 11:13). Between Shochoh and Azekah, in Judah, the Philistine encampment when David slew Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1). The valley of Elah rises close to Hebron, and runs as a rocky ravine northward. Among the towns on its flank was KEILAH on a steep, terraced, bore hill. Beyond this point the valley widens, and on its W. side is Adullam. A mile further N. the valley turns W. Here crowning the left bank was Socoh. Farther W. on the valley's S. side is Shaaraim (Tel Zakeriyeh). Then the valley opens into the Philistine plain, and here is situated on a white cliff Gath, commanding the valley.
        Thus, the valley of Elah was the highway from the plain up to the hilly country, and terebinths still grow in it as of old. The site of Saul's battle with the Philistines and Goliath was at the bend of the valley, where the Jerusalem road down which probably Saul came crosses the valley, at Ephesdammim, between Socoh (Shuweikeh) and Azekah (El-Azek). Here still a ruin exists, having a similar meaning, Belt Fused, "house of bloodshed." Two Hebrew terms occur in the narrative: 'emeq the "broad valley"; gay the narrow deep channel in the middle of the creek, dug out by the winter torrent and separating the two hosts. The steep banks are studded with smooth white pebbles, such as David slung at Goliath.