The Valley of Elah runs east-west close to the north of Socoh in the tribal territory of Judah. The name Elah means "oak," "mighty tree," or "terebinth." In this valley the forces of Saul faced the Philistines whose champion Goliath dared an Israelite to fight him one-on-one. David answered the challenge and killed Goliath (1 Sam. 17:1-54).
Photograph by Bob Dunston