THURSDAY May 16, 2019
The Battle Array
Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah; they encamped between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and they encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array against the Philistines. The Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.
1 Samuel 17:1-3
The Philistines gathered together for battle at Sochoh, a place that belonged to Judah. Saul and the men of Israel encamped in the Valley of Elah where they faced the Philistines for battle with a valley separating them. The Valley of Elah was beautiful; at the highest point they could see the Mediterranean Sea.
Israel’s battle array took place about 15 miles southwest of Jerusalem. There was a small creek between the opposing armies where water ran during all the different seasons––spring, summer, fall and winter. In this creek were found many smooth stones––with edges razor sharp. This is the only place in the world where you can find such stones. Israel’s men mastered the use of them. When they placed these smooth stones into their slings, they became deadly weapons!
The Philistines were a real pain to Israel––all the time. The Philistines in Scripture become a type of Satan––he never, ever gives up harassing us. He wants us to fight against him all the time because He thinks he can defeat us. He uses the weapon of intimidation. Satan tries to intimidate us and bring fear into our lives so we do not do the work of the Lord.
A man who is intimate with God is not intimidated by man.
~Leonard Ravenhill~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
