Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the vale of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

But Saul, and they, and all the children of Israel were in the valley of Terebinth fighting against the Philistines.

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel were in the valley of terebinths, fighting against the Philistines.

But they were in the valley of Terebinth, with Saul and all the sons of Israel, fighting against the Philistines.

Fighting with the Philistines - See at the end of the chapter, 1-Samuel 17:58 (note).

Now Saul, and they,.... That is, the sons of Jesse, and brethren of David:
and all the men of Israel; the soldiers in the army:
were in the valley Elah; or "by" it, near unto it; for they were set in array on the mountain on the side of it:
fighting with the Philistines; not actually engaged in battle, but drawn up for it; prepared and in readiness to engage whenever it was necessary, or they were obliged to it; and perhaps there might be now and then some skirmishes in the outer parts of the camp.

"But Saul and they (the brothers), and the whole of the men of Israel, are in the terebinth valley," etc. This statement forms part of Jesse's words.

Fighting - That is, in a posture and readiness to fight with them; as it is explained, 1-Samuel 17:20-21.