Philistines and Israelites often battled for control of the Shephelah. As he confronted Goliath "a living symbol of evil" David showed the world the only true God. Somewhere near Azekah, the famous battle of David and Goliath took place. But the tel stands as a reminder that defense of the Shephelah was critical to the Israelites' survival. Today, most of ancient Azekah lies buried. Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar also destroyed the city on his way to Jerusalem in 587 BC. After traveling down the coastal plain and into the valley, Assyrian King Sennacherib destroyed Azekah. For that reason, the Philistines and other pagan cultures often tried to capture and hold Azekah.Įven the great empires of the east, Babylon and Assyria, used the Valley of Elah to enter the Shephelah. The Valley of Elah provided access to Bethlehem, a mere twelve miles away, and Jerusalem. Located in the Shephelah, Azekah guarded an important gateway to the mountains. The Mediterranean Sea, located about twelve miles to the west, can be seen from the tel.
Tel Azekah is a five-acre site overlooking the Valley of Elah%u2014the place where David killed Goliath. Azekah overlooks the Valley of Elah, a strategic passageway from Israel's coastal plain, through the foothills, and into the Judean Mountains beyond.
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