Geographical Location:
Salecah, also spelled Salchah, is a biblical city located on the eastern frontier of Bashan, a region known for its fertile lands and strongholds. It is mentioned in the Old Testament as part of the territory given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. The city is identified with modern-day Salkhad in southern Syria, near the border with Jordan.

Biblical References:
Salecah is first mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 3:10, the city is described as part of the kingdom of Og in Bashan: "We captured all the cities on the plain and all Gilead and all Bashan as far as Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan" . This passage highlights the extent of Israel's conquest under Moses, emphasizing the strategic importance of Salecah as a fortified city.

In Joshua 12:5, Salecah is again mentioned as part of the conquered lands: "He ruled over Mount Hermon, Salecah, all Bashan up to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half of Gilead as far as the border of Sihon king of Heshbon" . This verse underscores the city's inclusion in the territories subdued by the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
Salecah served as a significant military outpost due to its location on the eastern edge of Bashan. Its strategic position made it a key point of defense against eastern invaders. The city's mention alongside other fortified cities in Bashan indicates its role in the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.

The allocation of Salecah to the half-tribe of Manasseh, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 5:11, reflects the tribe's responsibility to maintain and defend the eastern territories of Israel. The half-tribe of Manasseh was known for its valor and military prowess, which was essential for securing the borders against potential threats.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological findings in the area of Salkhad have revealed remnants of ancient fortifications, which align with the biblical description of Salecah as a fortified city. These findings provide tangible evidence of the city's historical significance and its role in the defense of the region.

Theological Implications:
The inclusion of Salecah in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering the promised land to the Israelites. It illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of Israel's territorial inheritance. The city's mention in the context of Israel's conquests also highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the history of His chosen people.

Conclusion:
While Salecah is not frequently mentioned in the biblical text, its strategic importance and role in the territorial expansion of Israel underscore its significance in the biblical narrative. The city's history and archaeological evidence continue to provide insights into the ancient world and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.SALECAH; SALCAH, SALCHAH

sal'-e-ka, sal'-ka (calekhah; Codex Vaticanus Sekchai, Acha, Sela Codex Alexandrinus Elcha, Aselcha, Selcha): This place first appears in Deuteronomy 3:10 as marking the eastern boundary of Bashan. It is named as one of the cities in which Og, king of Bashan, ruled (Joshua 12:5). It must certainly have been included in the portion given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, "all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan," although it is not named among the cities that fell to him (Joshua 13:29). At a later time we are told that Gad dwelt over against the Reubenites in the land of Bashan unto Salecah (1 Chronicles 5:11). The boundaries of the tribes probably changed from time to time.

The ancient city is represented by the modern Qalkhad, a city in a high and strong position at the southern end of Jebel ed-Druze (the Mountain of Bashan). On a volcanic hill rising some 300 ft. above the town, in what must have been the crater, stands the castle. The view from the battlements, as the present writer can testify, is one of the finest East of the Jordan, including the rich hollow of the Chauran, Mt. Hermon, and all the intervening country to the mountains of Samaria, with vast reaches of the desert to the South and to the East. The old Roman roads are still clearly seen running without curve or deviation across the country to Bozrah and Der'ah, away to the Southeast over the desert to Kal`at el-`Azraq, and eastward to the Persian Gulf. The castle was probably built by the Romans. Restored by the Arabs, it was a place of strength in Crusading times. It has now fallen on evil days. The modern town, containing many ancient houses, lies mainly on the slopes Southeast of the castle. The inhabitants are Druzes, somewhat noted for turbulence.

In the recent rising of the Druzes (1911) the place suffered heavily from bombardment by the Turks. For water-supply it is entirely dependent on cisterns filled during the rainy season. W. Ewing

5548. Salkah -- a city on the E. border of Bashan
... 5547, 5548. Salkah. 5549 . a city on the E. border of Bashan. Transliteration:
Salkah Phonetic Spelling: (sal-kaw') Short Definition: Salecah. ...
/hebrew/5548.htm - 6kSalecah (4 Occurrences)
...SALECAH; SALCAH, SALCHAH. ... At a later time we are told that Gad dwelt over against
the Reubenites in the land of Bashan unto Salecah (1 Chronicles 5:11). ...
/s/salecah.htm - 9k

Salcah (4 Occurrences)
...SALECAH; SALCAH, SALCHAH. ... At a later time we are told that Gad dwelt over against
the Reubenites in the land of Bashan unto Salecah (1 Chronicles 5:11). ...
/s/salcah.htm - 10k

Bashan (54 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:11). In Deuteronomy 3:10 Salecah and Edrei seem to indicate the
East and West limits respectively. This would agree with ...
/b/bashan.htm - 32k

Geshur (11 Occurrences)
... Joshua 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the
border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of ...
/g/geshur.htm - 13k

Geshurite (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the
border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of ...
/g/geshurite.htm - 7k

Geshurites (6 Occurrences)
... Joshua 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the
border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of ...
/g/geshurites.htm - 9k

Edrei (8 Occurrences)
... It seems to mark the western limit of Bashan as against Salecah on the East
(Deuteronomy 3:10). It was given to Machir, son of Manasseh (Joshua 13:31). ...
/e/edrei.htm - 11k

Ma-ac'athites (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the
border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of ...
/m/ma-ac'athites.htm - 7k

Maacathites (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the
border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of ...
/m/maacathites.htm - 8k

Salchah (1 Occurrence)
...SALECAH; SALCAH, SALCHAH. ... At a later time we are told that Gad dwelt over against
the Reubenites in the land of Bashan unto Salecah (1 Chronicles 5:11). ...
/s/salchah.htm - 8k

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