1Sa 17:1 | TNotes | STEP | 17:1 The Philistines presented an ongoing threat throughout Saul’s reign (see 14:47-52 ). • Socoh in Judah was fourteen miles west of Bethlehem toward Philistine territory. • Azekah was a few miles northwest of Socoh (the precise location of Ephes-dammim is unknown). The Philistines were encroaching on Israelite territory.

b14:47-52►

‏ 1 Samuel 17:1

17:1 ^a The Philistines presented an ongoing threat throughout Saul’s reign (see 14:47-52 ^b).

• Socoh in Judah was fourteen miles west of Bethlehem toward Philistine territory.

• Azekah was a few miles northwest of Socoh (the precise location of Ephes-dammim is unknown). The Philistines were encroaching on Israelite territory.