From Tent to Castle

1 Samuel 17:1-3
1-3 The Philistines drew up their troops for battle. They deployed them at Socoh in Judah, and set up camp between Socoh and Azekah at Ephes Dammim. Saul and the Israelites came together, camped at Oak Valley, and spread out their troops in battle readiness for the Philistines. The Philistines were on one hill, the Israelites on the opposing hill, with the valley between them.
We find this story, curiously right after David is accepted into King Saul's house as his musician. What is curious to me is the place the the Philistines chose to make their camp. They planted themsleves between Socoh and Azekah. Socoh means "Tents and Tabernacles" whereas Azekah means "Strength of Walls." What is interesting to me is this: They planted themselves squarely between Tents and tabernacles and the strength of walls. What one has to consider is that when you trust in tents, temporary dwellings, and the strength of walls over the power of the Lord our God, who was with Israel on the opposite side of the Valley of Ephes Dammim (present day Elah.) This paints an interesting picture. Could it be that the Philistines lost not because they were adept at warfare but because they believed in the strength of walls and the shaky foundations of a tent? Just a Thursday Thought for you.

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