Topical Bible: Valleys: Achor

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Valley of Achor holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. The name "Achor" itself means "trouble" or "disturbance," which is reflective of the events that transpired there. This valley is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where it becomes the setting for a pivotal moment in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.

Biblical Account:

The Valley of Achor is introduced in Joshua 7, following the Israelites' defeat at Ai. This defeat was attributed to the sin of Achan, who had taken forbidden items from the spoils of Jericho, violating God's command. As a result, God's anger burned against Israel, and they were unable to stand against their enemies. Joshua 7:24-26 recounts the resolution of this sin:

"Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, and the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys, and sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor. And Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us? The LORD will bring trouble upon you this day.' So all Israel stoned them with stones. And after they had stoned the rest, they burned them with fire. 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."

This event underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of holiness among God's people. The Valley of Achor thus became a symbol of judgment and the consequences of disobedience.

Prophetic Significance:

Despite its initial association with judgment, the Valley of Achor is later mentioned in a context of hope and restoration. In Hosea 2:15 , God promises to transform the Valley of Achor into a "door of hope" for Israel:

"There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt."

This prophetic vision speaks to God's redemptive power, turning a place of past trouble into a future of hope and renewal. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's ability to restore and redeem His people, even from the depths of their failures.

Geographical and Historical Context:

The exact location of the Valley of Achor is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to be situated near Jericho, in the vicinity of the ancient city of Ai. Its geographical setting would have been part of the initial territory conquered by the Israelites as they entered Canaan.

Theological Implications:

The Valley of Achor serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. It also highlights the communal nature of sin, as Achan's transgression affected the entire nation of Israel. Yet, the prophetic promise in Hosea reveals God's grace and the potential for transformation and hope, even in places marked by past failures.

In summary, the Valley of Achor is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, representing both the severity of divine judgment and the promise of divine restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 7:24
And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them to the valley of Achor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 65:10
And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 2:5
For their mother has played the harlot: she that conceived them has done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Valley of Achor
... of justice took place, was named in memory thereof, the valley of Achor, that is ...
mountains the steep way of life has climbed at last through valleys of trouble ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the valley of achor.htm

The Omnipotent Summons.
... The star of Bethlehem shines, and the Valley of Achor becomes a door of hope. ... soul
in the moment of dissolution, it is not until the plains and valleys of our ...
/.../macduff/memories of bethany/xvi the omnipotent summons.htm