* the valley.
   Dr. Richardson says, that in about twenty minutes, in an
   easterly direction, form the cave of St. John, (which is about
   two hours or six miles, in a westerly direction, from
   Jerusalem,) they came to the valley of Elah; which position
   seems to agree with that of Shochoh and Azekah.  He describes
   it as "a small valley, and the place of the encampment is
   pointed out where it narrows into a broad, deep ravine; part
   of it was in crop, and part of it was under the plough, which
   was drawn by a couple of oxen.  A small stream, which had
   shrunk almost under its stony bed, passes through it from east
   to west, from which we are informed that David chose out five
   smooth stones, and hasted and ran to meet the haughty champion
   of Gath.  A well of water under the bank, with a few olive
   trees above, on the north side of the valley, are said to mark
   the spot of the shepherd's triumph over his boasting
   antagonist.  Saul and his men probably occupied the side of
   the valley which is nearest to Jerusalem, on which the ground
   is higher and more rugged than on the other side."

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