Kidron or Cedron
Jump to: ATSGreekSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Geographical Location and Significance:

The Kidron Valley, also known as Cedron in some translations, is a significant geographical feature in biblical history. It is a valley located on the eastern side of Jerusalem, lying between the city and the Mount of Olives. The Kidron Valley served as a natural boundary and played a crucial role in various biblical events.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· 2 Samuel 15:23 : "Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness." This passage describes King David's flight from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. The crossing of the Kidron Valley symbolizes a moment of deep sorrow and transition for David and his followers.

· 1 Kings 2:37 : "On the day you leave and cross the Kidron Valley, you can be sure you will die; your blood will be on your own head." This warning from King Solomon to Shimei underscores the Kidron Valley as a boundary of safety and consequence.

· 2 Kings 23:4 : "Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests of the second order, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and carried their ashes to Bethel." This passage highlights the Kidron Valley as a place of purification and judgment, where King Josiah destroyed idolatrous objects.

2. New Testament:
· John 18:1 : "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered." This verse marks the beginning of Jesus' Passion, as He crosses the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of prayer and eventual betrayal.

Theological Implications:

The Kidron Valley holds deep theological significance throughout the biblical narrative. It is often associated with moments of transition, judgment, and purification. In the Old Testament, it serves as a site where idolatry is confronted and cleansed, reflecting God's call for holiness and repentance among His people. The valley's role in King David's life symbolizes the trials and tribulations faced by God's anointed, as well as the hope of restoration and divine guidance.

In the New Testament, the Kidron Valley is intimately connected with the Passion of Christ. Jesus' crossing of the valley en route to Gethsemane signifies His obedience to the Father's will and the impending sacrifice for humanity's redemption. This act underscores the valley as a place of spiritual significance, where Jesus prepares for the ultimate act of love and salvation.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Historically, the Kidron Valley has been a site of burial and memorials, with numerous tombs and monuments lining its slopes. Its proximity to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives has made it a focal point for religious and cultural activities throughout history. The valley's enduring presence in biblical and post-biblical narratives highlights its importance as a symbol of both physical and spiritual journeys.

Conclusion:

The Kidron Valley, or Cedron, remains a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing moments of trial, purification, and divine encounter. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores its enduring significance in the unfolding account of God's relationship with His people.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Kidron or Cedron

A winter torrent, and the valley in which it flowed, east of Jerusalem. This valley begins a little northwest of the city, passes some two hundred rods north of the present wall, and turns to the south. Here it is wide and open; but as it runs south between the city and mount Olivet, it becomes narrow and deep. Opposite mount Moriah, it is a mere torrent's bed, one hundred and fifty feet below the city wall. It sinks still deeper as it passes Siloam, the valley of Hinnom, and the well of Nehemiah, and then winds southeast, in a narrow and precipitous gorge, through the horrid wilderness of St. Saba, to the Dead Sea. The bed of the Kidron is now dry most of the year; even in the rainy season it has no constant stream, though heavy and continued rains may create an impetuous but short-lived torrent. It is crossed by a causeway and a bridge of a single arch, between St. Stephen's Gate and the Garden of Gethsemane. By this route probably David fled from Absalom, 2 Samuel 15:23; and the Savior often passed this way in going to Bethany, Mount Olivet, and Gethsemane, John 18:1-2. In this valley and in that of Hinnom, at their confluence, kings Asa, Josiah, and Hezekiah destroyed the idols and abominations by which Jerusalem was defiled, 1 Kings 15:13 2 Kings 23:4,6,12 2 Chronicles 29:16. See HINNOM, and JERUSALEM. A part of the waters of the ancient Kidron were derived from the temple itself, flowing down by several channels to the deep bed of the brook. The prophet Ezekiel makes use of this fact in a beautiful and cheering allegory, foretelling the river of divine grace that shall yet renovate the world. The stream he describes issues from the temple, beside the altar of God; it flows with an ever increasing volume; it carries with it into the dreary wilderness verdure, fruitfulness, and melody; and even heals the bitter waters of the Dead Sea itself, Ezekiel 47:1-12.

Greek
2748. Kedron -- Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer.
... Kidron. Of Hebrew origin (Qidrown); Cedron (ie Kidron), a brook near Jerusalem --
Cedron. see HEBREW Qidrown. (kedron) -- 1 Occurrence. 2747, 2748. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2748.htm - 6k
Resources
What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org

What happened on the Mount of Olives? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Kidron

Kidron or Cedron

Kidron or Kedron

Kidron: A Valley and Stream Between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives

Kidron: David Flees from Absalom Across

Kidron: Destruction of Idols At, by Asa, Josiah, and the Levites

Kidron: Jesus Crossed, on the Night of his Agony

Kidron: Source of, Closed by Hezekiah

Related Terms

Ashe'rah (18 Occurrences)

Grove (23 Occurrences)

King's (375 Occurrences)

Torrent (49 Occurrences)

Shrine (34 Occurrences)

Gihon (6 Occurrences)

Hinnom (11 Occurrences)

Gethsemane (2 Occurrences)

Powder (14 Occurrences)

Beateth (7 Occurrences)

Stamped (27 Occurrences)

Pole (21 Occurrences)

Burneth (67 Occurrences)

Shiloah (1 Occurrence)

Siloah (1 Occurrence)

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)

En-rogel (4 Occurrences)

Siloam (4 Occurrences)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Asherah (40 Occurrences)

Brook (75 Occurrences)

Stream (96 Occurrences)

Vale (20 Occurrences)

Kings (350 Occurrences)

Graves (37 Occurrences)

Grandmother (3 Occurrences)

Fountain (57 Occurrences)

Repulsive (7 Occurrences)

Mistress (20 Occurrences)

Ma'acah (22 Occurrences)

Bethesda (1 Occurrence)

Horrible (12 Occurrences)

Horrid (2 Occurrences)

Cutteth (37 Occurrences)

Abominable (52 Occurrences)

Dust (182 Occurrences)

Maachah (19 Occurrences)

Casteth (54 Occurrences)

Altars (55 Occurrences)

Olives (30 Occurrences)

Beat (85 Occurrences)

Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)

Garden (68 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Maacah (30 Occurrences)

Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)

Malchiel (3 Occurrences)

Crossed (65 Occurrences)

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

Disgusting (149 Occurrences)

Idol (56 Occurrences)

Ashes (44 Occurrences)

Outer (98 Occurrences)

Asa (54 Occurrences)

Grave (128 Occurrences)

Valley (187 Occurrences)

Crushed (199 Occurrences)

Queen (59 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zadok (50 Occurrences)

Kidon (1 Occurrence)

Olive-tree (17 Occurrences)

Olves

Gederoth (2 Occurrences)

Incense-altars (1 Occurrence)

Field (390 Occurrences)

Fuller's (4 Occurrences)

Topheth (9 Occurrences)

Terraces (9 Occurrences)

Threshold (28 Occurrences)

Torches (18 Occurrences)

Rubble (17 Occurrences)

Removeth (27 Occurrences)

Removing (24 Occurrences)

Erected (26 Occurrences)

Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences)

Demolished (15 Occurrences)

Deposed (5 Occurrences)

Kidron
Top of Page
Top of Page