("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 (1Ch 11:13). Between Shochoh and Azekah, in Judah, the Philistine encampment when David slew Goliath (1Sa 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.

E'phes-dammim

Place in Judah, the scene of the death of Goliath in the valley of Elah. 1Sa 17:1. Called PAS-DAMMIM in 1Ch 11:13.

E'phes-dam'mim

(cessation of blood-shed), a place between Socoh and Arekah, at which the Philistines were encamped before the affray in which Goliath was killed.

1Sa 17:1

Under the shorter form of PAS-DAMMIM it occurs once again in a similar connection.

See Pasdammim

1Ch 11:13