Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "Baca" is derived from the Hebrew word "בָּכָא" (bakha), which means "weeping" or "balsam tree." The name is often associated with a valley mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Psalms. Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Baca is found in Psalm 84:6 : "As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools." This verse is part of a psalm attributed to the sons of Korah, expressing the blessedness of those who dwell in the house of the Lord and the joy of pilgrimage to Zion. Context and Interpretation: The Valley of Baca is not identified with any specific geographical location in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations. It is often understood metaphorically rather than as a literal place. The valley represents a place of hardship or sorrow, akin to a dry and arid region. The psalmist uses the imagery of the Valley of Baca to illustrate the spiritual journey of believers who, despite passing through difficult and trying circumstances, find strength and refreshment in God. Theological Significance: In the context of Psalm 84, the Valley of Baca symbolizes the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful on their journey toward God. The transformation of the valley into a place of springs signifies the divine provision and blessing that accompany those who trust in the Lord. The imagery of rain covering the valley with pools suggests God's abundant grace and the renewal that comes from His presence. Historical and Cultural Insights: While the exact location of the Valley of Baca is unknown, some scholars suggest it may have been a real place known for its balsam trees, which exude a resin that resembles tears. This connection to weeping aligns with the symbolic interpretation of the valley as a place of lamentation and struggle. Application for Believers: The passage encourages believers to persevere through life's challenges, trusting that God will provide refreshment and strength. It serves as a reminder that spiritual growth often occurs in the midst of adversity and that God's presence can transform even the most desolate circumstances into places of blessing. Cross-References: · Psalm 23:4 : "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." · Isaiah 35:1-2 : "The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom abundantly and even rejoice with joy and singing." Conclusion: The Valley of Baca, as depicted in Psalm 84, serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian journey. It highlights the transformative power of faith and the sustaining presence of God amidst life's trials. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BacaSmith's Bible Dictionary Baca(weeping), The Valley of, A valley in Palestine, through which the exiled Psalmist sees in vision the pilgrims passing in their march towards the sanctuary of Jehovah at Zion. (Psalms 84:6) That it was a real locality is most probable from the use of the definite article before the name. The rendering of the Targum is Gehenna, i.e. the Ge-Hinnom or ravine below Mount Zion. This locality agrees well with the mention of became (Authorized Version "mulberry") trees in (2 Samuel 5:23) ATS Bible Dictionary BacaTears, or weeping, Psalm 84:6. It is not necessary to understand here that there was really a valley so called. The psalmist, at a distance from Jerusalem, is speaking of the happiness of those who are permitted to make the usual pilgrimages to that city in order to worship Jehovah in the temple: they love the ways which lead thither; yea, though they must pass through rough and dreary paths, even a vale of tears, yet such are their hope and joy of heart, that all this is to them as a well-watered country, a land crowned with the blessings of early rain. Easton's Bible Dictionary Baca, Valley of(Psalm 84:6; R.V., "valley of weeping, " marg., "or balsam trees"), probably a valley in some part of Palestine, or generally some one of the valleys through which pilgrims had to pass on their way to the sanctuary of Jehovah on Zion; or it may be figuratively "a valley of weeping." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BACAba'-ka bakha': In the King James Version in Psalm 84:6, where the Revised Version (British and American) has "the valley of Weeping," with a marginal variant which is best put in the form, "the valley of the balsam-trees." The word is elsewhere used only in the duplicated account of one of David's battles (2 Samuel 5:23, 24 1 Chronicles 14:14, 15). There the translation is "the mulberry trees," with "the balsam-trees" in the margin in the Revised Version (British and American). Conjecturally the word is, by variant spelling, of the stem which denotes weeping; the tree is called "weeper" from some habit of the trickling of its gum or of the moisture on it; the valley of weeping is not a geographical locality, but a picturesque expression for the experiences of those whose strength is in Yahweh, and who through His grace find their sorrows changed into blessings. Strong's Hebrew 1056. Baka -- a valley in Palestine... 1055, 1056. Baka. 1057 . a valley in Palestine. Transliteration: Baka Phonetic Spelling: (baw-kaw') Short Definition: Baca. ... NASB Word Usage Baca (1). Baca. ... /hebrew/1056.htm - 6k Library Baca. LM Baca. LM Baca. LM Baca. LM Baca. LM Peace and Safety at the Cross. Baca. LM Pardon through the Sufferings of Christ. Baca. LM Thanks to Jesus for his Love. The Otterbein Hymnal Hymnus Ante Cibum Sixth Day. Thankfulness. Thesaurus Baca (1 Occurrence)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Baca, Valley of. (Psalm 84:6; RV, "valley ... of weeping.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BACA. ba'-ka bakha ... /b/baca.htm - 8k Mulberry (6 Occurrences) Trees (179 Occurrences) Well-spring (3 Occurrences) Filleth (16 Occurrences) Rains (16 Occurrences) Pools (15 Occurrences) Bacchides Baby's (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Places in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Other Places in the Bible ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Baca (1 Occurrence)Psalms 84:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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