Definition and Meaning:
The term "Emek" is a Hebrew word (עֵמֶק) that translates to "valley" in English. In the biblical context, it often refers to a lowland or a broad depression between hills or mountains. Valleys in the Bible are significant both geographically and symbolically, often serving as sites of battles, settlements, and divine encounters.

Biblical References:
The word "Emek" appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often as part of place names. Some notable mentions include:

1. Emek Rephaim (Valley of Rephaim): This valley is mentioned in several passages, including Joshua 15:8 and 2 Samuel 5:18. It is located near Jerusalem and was known as a site where the Philistines encamped during their battles against King David. The Berean Standard Bible states in 2 Samuel 5:18, "Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim."

2. Emek Achor (Valley of Achor): This valley is associated with the troubling of Israel due to Achan's sin. In Joshua 7:24-26, Achan and his family were brought to this valley and stoned because he had taken forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho. The BSB records in Joshua 7:26, "Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from His fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day."

3. Emek Jezreel (Valley of Jezreel): A fertile valley in northern Israel, it is frequently mentioned in the context of battles and prophetic visions. Hosea 1:5 in the BSB states, "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel." This valley was a strategic location due to its fertile land and central position.

4. Emek Shaveh (Valley of Shaveh): Mentioned in Genesis 14:17, this valley is where Melchizedek, king of Salem, met Abram after his victory over the kings. The BSB notes, "After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley)."

Symbolic Significance:
Valleys in the Bible often symbolize a place of decision, testing, or judgment. They can represent times of hardship or confrontation, as seen in the battles that took place in these locations. However, valleys can also be places of blessing and provision, as they are often fertile and well-watered.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, valleys were crucial for agriculture and settlement due to their fertile soil and access to water. They were also natural routes for travel and trade, making them strategically important in military campaigns. The valleys mentioned in the Bible often served as battlegrounds due to their geographical significance.

Theological Insights:
From a theological perspective, valleys can be seen as places where God's people encounter challenges but also experience His deliverance and provision. The events that occur in these valleys often highlight themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. For instance, the Valley of Achor, initially a place of judgment, is later mentioned in Hosea 2:15 as a "door of hope," symbolizing redemption and restoration.

Conclusion:
While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that the valleys, or "Emeks," in the Bible hold significant historical, geographical, and spiritual importance. They serve as reminders of God's presence and action in the midst of both trials and triumphs.1025. Beth Haemeq -- "valley house," a place on the border of ...
... "valley house," a place on the border of Asher. Transliteration: Beth Haemeq Phonetic
Spelling: (bayth haw-Ay'-mek) Short Definition: Beth-emek. ... Beth- emek. ...
/hebrew/1025.htm - 6k

7104. Qetsits -- a city in Benjamin
... 7103, 7104. Qetsits. 7105 . a city in Benjamin. Transliteration: Qetsits
Phonetic Spelling: (kets-eets') Short Definition: Emek-keziz. ...
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6010. emeq -- a vale
... valley. Word Origin from amoq Definition a vale NASB Word Usage Emek-keziz*
(1), Valley (3), valley (55), valleys (10). dale, vale ...
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Emek (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Emek (2 Occurrences). Joshua 18:21 Now the cities
of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to ...
/e/emek.htm - 7k

Emek-keziz (1 Occurrence)
Emek-keziz. Emekkeziz, Emek-keziz. Emek-ke'ziz . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia EMEK-KEZIZ. e-mek-ke'-ziz (`emeq qetsits ...
/e/emek-keziz.htm - 7k

Emek-kezziz (1 Occurrence)
Emek-kezziz. Emek-ke'ziz, Emek-kezziz. Emerald . Multi-Version
Concordance Emek-kezziz (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:21 ...
/e/emek-kezziz.htm - 6k

Beth-emek (1 Occurrence)
Beth-emek. Bethemek, Beth-emek. Bether . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia BETH-EMEK. beth-e'-mek (beth ha-'emeq; Bethaemek ...
/b/beth-emek.htm - 7k

Emek-ke'ziz (1 Occurrence)
Emek-ke'ziz. Emek-keziz, Emek-ke'ziz. Emek-kezziz . Multi-Version Concordance
Emek-ke'ziz (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:21 Now the cities ...
/e/emek-ke'ziz.htm - 6k

Keziz (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KEZIZ. ke'-ziz (qetsits). See EMEK-KEZIZ. VALLEY
OF KEZIZ. See EMEK-KEZIZ. Multi-Version Concordance Keziz (1 Occurrence). ...
/k/keziz.htm - 7k

Emekkeziz
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EMEK-KEZIZ. e-mek-ke'-ziz (`emeq qetsits;
the King James Version Valley of Keziz (Joshua 18:21)): A ...
/e/emekkeziz.htm - 6k

Bethemek (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-EMEK. beth-e'-mek (beth ha-'emeq; Bethaemek,
"house of the valley"): A town in the territory of Zebulun (Joshua 19:27). ...
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Emerald (8 Occurrences)

/e/emerald.htm - 10k

Beth (115 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to
their families were Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/b/beth.htm - 40k

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