Today the Elah valley still has its beautiful landscape nearly intact, and it is an area good for light hiking. Ancient examples of the Elah tree, the terebinth, can still be found in the area. At Mitzpe Massua hill the visitor has the most breathtaking view of the coastal plain to the west of the valley, with Ashkelon in the horizon on a clear day. Even the lights of the old Philistine heartland of Gaza can be seen on a clear night in the horizon.

Background of the Elah Valley

David fought the giant Goliath while the Israelites were encamped in the Valley of Elah, according to 1. Samuel 17. He met the Philistine giant there due to the strategic importance of the valley, which served as a buffer zone to the Philistine settlements to the west. In chapter 22 one can read how David later hid from king Saul in a cave in Adullam, also in the Elah valley, and Adullam was fortified by king Rehoboam so his enemies couldn't easily attack the town, we can read in 2. Chr.11. The valley has its name from the Elah tree, the terebinth, which still grows in the area.

Travelujah Tips

The area in and around the Elah valley has a number of wineries which receives visitors for wine tasting and a tour of the production facilities, and are worth visiting for the wine lover.

Nearby Places of Interest

The stalactite caves, Mini Israel, Beit Shemesh

Hours of Operation

Free of charge

Useful Links

http://www.bibleplaces.com/elahvalley.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_Elah

http://www.gemsinisrael.com/e_article000096482.htm

http://www.ancientsandals.com/overviews/adullam.htm

http://www.ancientsandals.com/overviews/valley_of_elah.htm