Topical Bible: Kidron: Source of, Closed by Hezekiah

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Kidron Valley

The Kidron Valley, also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, is a significant geographical and historical feature in the biblical narrative. It lies to the east of Jerusalem, separating the city from the Mount of Olives. The valley is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often in connection with events of religious and historical importance.

Biblical References

The Kidron Valley is first mentioned in the context of King David's flight from Absalom. In 2 Samuel 15:23, it is recorded, "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 highlights the valley as a place of sorrow and transition during David's time of distress.

The valley is also noted for its association with religious reforms. In 2 Kings 23:4, King Josiah ordered the removal of idolatrous objects from the temple, and they were burned in the Kidron Valley: "Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests of the second order, and the doorkeepers to bring out of 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."

Hezekiah's Reforms

King Hezekiah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, also took significant actions concerning the Kidron Valley. In 2 Chronicles 29:16, it is recorded that during the cleansing of the temple, the priests carried the unclean things they found to the Kidron Valley: "The priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out to the courtyard of the house of the LORD everything unclean that they found in the temple of the LORD. The Levites took it and carried it out to the Kidron Valley."

Closure of the Water Source

One of Hezekiah's notable engineering feats was the redirection of water sources to protect Jerusalem from Assyrian siege. In 2 Chronicles 32:3-4, Hezekiah consulted with his officials and military staff to stop the water from the springs outside the city: "He consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him. A large number of people assembled, and they blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. 'Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?' they said."

This strategic move included the closure of the Gihon Spring, which flowed into the Kidron Valley, and the construction of the Siloam Tunnel to redirect the water into the city. This action not only secured the water supply for Jerusalem during times of siege but also demonstrated Hezekiah's wisdom and foresight in protecting his people.

Symbolic Significance

The Kidron Valley holds symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. It is a place of judgment and purification, where idolatrous objects were destroyed and unclean things were cast away. The valley's association with Hezekiah's reforms underscores its role in the spiritual renewal of Judah, as the king sought to restore true worship and reliance on the LORD.

Throughout the Bible, the Kidron Valley serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments in Israel's history, reflecting themes of repentance, judgment, and divine protection.

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2 Chronicles 32:4
So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the middle of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
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The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... On the death of Hezekiah, his successor, Manasseh, had, as we know, been tempted
to intervene in the revolutions of the hour, but the prompt punishment which ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm