Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location: The Kidron Valley, also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, is a significant geographical feature in the biblical landscape. It lies to the east of Jerusalem, separating the city from the Mount of Olives. The valley runs in a north-south direction and eventually joins the Valley of Hinnom. The Kidron Valley is a dry riverbed, or wadi, that carries water only during the rainy season. Biblical References and Significance: The Kidron Valley is mentioned several times in the Bible, serving as a backdrop for various significant events and symbolizing themes of judgment, cleansing, and separation. 1. David's Flight from Absalom: In 2 Samuel 15:23, during Absalom's rebellion, King David crossed the Kidron Valley as he fled Jerusalem. The passage states, "Everyone in the countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness." This event highlights the valley as a place of sorrow and transition. 2. Cleansing of Idolatry: The Kidron Valley was a site of religious reform and cleansing. In 1 Kings 15:13, King Asa removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene image for Asherah. Asa cut down the image and burned it in the Kidron Valley. Similarly, in 2 Kings 23:4, King Josiah ordered the priests to bring out of the temple all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the starry hosts, and he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley. These actions underscore the valley's role as a place of purification from idolatry. 3. Jesus' Journey: The Kidron Valley is also significant in the New Testament. In John 18:1, after the Last Supper, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with His disciples to enter the Garden of Gethsemane, where He would later be betrayed. The passage reads, "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, into which He and His disciples entered." This crossing marks the beginning of Jesus' Passion, linking the valley to themes of sacrifice and redemption. 4. Prophetic and Eschatological Significance: The Kidron Valley is associated with eschatological themes, particularly in the context of divine judgment. Joel 3:2 refers to the "Valley of Jehoshaphat," traditionally identified with the Kidron Valley, as the place where God will gather all nations for judgment. This association with judgment reinforces the valley's symbolic role in biblical prophecy. Cultural and Historical Context: Throughout history, the Kidron Valley has been a site of burial and memorials. It contains numerous ancient tombs, including those traditionally attributed to Absalom, Zechariah, and others. The valley's proximity to Jerusalem and its historical associations have made it a place of interest for pilgrims and scholars alike. Theological Themes: The Kidron Valley embodies themes of transition, judgment, and purification. It serves as a physical and symbolic boundary between the sacred city of Jerusalem and the wilderness beyond. The valley's role in biblical narratives highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and idolatry, as well as the hope of redemption through divine intervention. Smith's Bible Dictionary Kidron or Kedron(turbid), The brook, a torrent or valley, not a "brook," or, as in the margin of Revised Version, "ravine;" Gr. winter torrent. It was close to Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives. it is now commonly known as the "valley of Jehoshaphat." The channel of the valley of Jehoshaphat is nothing more than the dry bed of a wintry torrent, bearing marks of being occasionally swept over by a large volume of water. It was crossed by David in his flight, (2 Samuel 15:23) comp. 2Sam 15:30 And by our Lord on his way to Gethsemane. (John 18:1) comp. Mark 14:26; Luke 22:39 The distinguishing peculiarity of the Kidron valley --mentioned in the Old Testament-- is the impurity which appears to have been ascribed to it. In the time of Josiah it was the common cemetery of the city. (2 Kings 23:6) comp. Jere 26:23 Greek 2748. Kedron -- Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. ... 2747, 2748. Kedron. 2749 . Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Kedron ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2748.htm - 6k Library The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3 The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the significance of Shittim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God sometimes judge the entire nation for the actions of its king? | GotQuestions.org What is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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