Topical Bible: Valleys: Often the Scenes of Idolatrous Rites

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In the biblical narrative, valleys frequently emerge as significant geographical and spiritual locations. While they are often associated with fertility and life due to their lush landscapes and water sources, valleys also serve as the backdrop for idolatrous practices and pagan worship, reflecting the spiritual struggles of the Israelites.

One of the most notorious valleys in this regard is the Valley of Hinnom, also known as Gehenna. This valley, located to the south of Jerusalem, became infamous for the idolatrous rites performed there, including child sacrifices to the god Molech. In 2 Kings 23:10, King Josiah is noted for defiling Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to prevent such abominable practices: "He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech" . The valley's association with such detestable acts led to its later symbolic use as a representation of hell or eternal damnation in Jewish and Christian thought.

The Valley of Jezreel is another significant location where idolatry was prevalent. This fertile valley was often a battleground for the spiritual fidelity of Israel. Hosea 1:4-5 references the valley in the context of divine judgment against the house of Jehu for the bloodshed at Jezreel, which was intertwined with the worship of Baal: "Then the LORD said to Hosea, 'Call him Jezreel, because soon I will punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. In that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel'" . The valley thus symbolizes both the physical and spiritual conflicts faced by the Israelites.

The Valley of Achor, meaning "trouble," is another site linked with idolatry and its consequences. In Joshua 7, Achan's sin of taking devoted items leads to Israel's defeat at Ai, and his subsequent punishment occurs in this valley. Joshua 7:24-26 recounts: "Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today.' Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them" . This event underscores the severe consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God.

Valleys in the biblical context often serve as a reminder of the Israelites' recurring struggle with idolatry and the allure of pagan practices. These locations, while physically fertile and life-sustaining, become spiritually barren due to the idolatrous rites performed within them. The biblical narrative uses these valleys to illustrate the tension between the worship of the one true God and the persistent temptation of surrounding pagan cultures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 57:5
Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clefts of the rocks?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... years, allowed their critical faculties, and often their imagination ... of public works
in the valleys of the ... and the skilful arrangement of the scenes from the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... King of Judah, to whom the Edomite valleys belonged, did ... interest decreases, and
his language is often deficient in ... what we are told of idolatrous practices in ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... nomes of the Delta were restored to order, and, as was often customary in ... but the
embrasures are covered with bas-reliefs representing various scenes in which ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm