1. The Philistines gathered for battle in Socoh, a town in Judah; they camped at a place called Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah.
2. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, where they got ready to fight the Philistines.
3. The Philistines lined up on one hill and the Israelites on another, with a valley between them.