1. The Philistines gathered their armies for war. They met at Socoh in Judah. Their camp was at Ephes Dammim between Socoh and Azekah.
2. Saul and the Israelites gathered in the Valley of Elah. And they camped there. They took their positions to fight the Philistines.
3. The Philistines controlled one hill. The Israelites controlled another. The valley was between them.
4. The Philistines had a champion fighter named Goliath. He was from Gath. He was about nine feet four inches tall. He came out of the Philistine camp.