Geography matters!

Some translations also miss an important clue in the Hebrew as to the battle’s location. Two different Hebrew words for “valley” appear; the first, עמק (“valley of Elah,” 17:2 NASB): denotes a broad, flat valley; the second, גיא (“with the valley between them,” 17:3 NASB) denotes a sharply sloped and narrow valley— “a ravine” (HCSB). Thus, while the valley of Elah is broad and spacious, it only pinches together in a few spaces—thus narrowing the choices for possible battle sites. Translations that render both Hebrew words “valley” miss the clue the narrator is providing for the battles precise location.

Furthermore, 1 Samuel 17:4 says Goliath initially “came out” or “came forth” (יצא) from the Philistine camp. But as David arrived, Goliath was literally “coming up” (עלה), not coming out (17:23, 25 NIV). Many translations gloss over this difference, but perhaps the writer was trying to convey something. I suggest he was; Goliath was likely ascending the Israelite side of the ravine (17:3), taunting Saul’s forces. This understanding of the text would explain why the text says, “The men of Israel fled from him” (17:24 NASB). Why would they flee, unless his coming up their side of the ravine made them fear his direct attack? If he stood out in the middle of the valley, they might be afraid, but they had no need to flee.—Bryan Beyer, in Devotions on the Hebrew Bible, 51