Bible Dictionary
SHEPHELAH
The Shephelah was the lowland district between the coastal plain and the mountains of Judah. Its rolling limestone hills, valleys, fields, vineyards, and strategic passes formed a frequent battleground between Israel and the Philistines.
Biblical Usage
The Shephelah appears in accounts of Judah, Dan, and Simeon and in narratives of conflict involving Israel and the Philistines. The ark sojourned there, Samson’s exploits occurred in the region, David fought Goliath in the Valley of Elah, and David found refuge at Adullam.