Topical Bible: Valleys: Salt

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Valley of Salt is a significant geographical and historical location mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of military victories and divine intervention. This valley is traditionally identified with the region south of the Dead Sea, known for its arid and saline conditions. The Valley of Salt serves as a backdrop for several key biblical events, highlighting God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 8:13 : "And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt." This passage records one of King David's military victories, emphasizing his role as a divinely appointed leader who secured Israel's borders and established peace through God's guidance.

2. 1 Chronicles 18:12 : "Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt." This account parallels the one in 2 Samuel, attributing the victory to Abishai, David's commander, and underscoring the collective effort of David's administration in achieving military success.

3. 2 Kings 14:7 : "Amaziah struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela in battle. He called it Joktheel, its name to this day." This verse recounts the victory of King Amaziah of Judah over the Edomites, demonstrating God's continued support for the Davidic line and His faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

4. Psalm 60:1 : "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'The Lily of the Covenant.' A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-Naharaim and Aram-Zobah, and Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt." This psalm, attributed to David, reflects on the challenges faced by Israel and the assurance of God's deliverance, using the victory in the Valley of Salt as a testament to His power and faithfulness.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Valley of Salt is emblematic of God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies. The victories achieved in this valley are not merely military triumphs but are seen as manifestations of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The repeated mention of the Valley of Salt in the context of battles against the Edomites highlights the ongoing struggle between Israel and its neighbors, as well as the importance of obedience and reliance on God for success.

Theologically, the Valley of Salt serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as seen in the fate of the Edomites, who were often in conflict with Israel. It also underscores the theme of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes, as He uses His chosen leaders to execute His will and establish His kingdom on earth.

In summary, the Valley of Salt is a significant biblical location that illustrates the themes of divine intervention, covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate victory of God's people over their adversaries. Through the accounts of David, Abishai, and Amaziah, the Valley of Salt stands as a testament to God's enduring promise to protect and prosper His chosen nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 8:13
And David got him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 14:17
And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Pilgrimage to Rome
... We Carmelites are called to preserve "the salt of the earth." We offer our ... peaks
lost in the clouds, its rushing torrents, and its deep valleys filled with ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter vi a pilgrimage to.htm

a Pilgrimage to Rome
... We Carmelites are called to preserve "the salt of the earth." We offer our ... peaks
lost in the clouds, its rushing torrents, and its deep valleys filled with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter vi - a pilgrimage.htm

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
... Better to climb, with faces turned upwards to the inaccessible peak, than to lie
at ease in the fat valleys! It is the salt of life to have our aims set ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/waiting faith rewarded and strengthened.htm

Motives to Holy Mourning
... They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning ... Blessed
are they that mourn.' These poison our corruptions; salt-water kills the worms ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/8 motives to holy mourning.htm

The Fall of Jerusalem.
... So many corpses were thrown over the walls, that the narrow valleys were choked,
and ... two stones left standing, and the foundation to be sown with salt; and he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxiii the fall of.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... those that went down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were ... increased,
the Canaanites pushed their outposts along the broad valleys that penetrated ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... What vast plains, in their extent resembling wide seas, what valleys, what cavities
hollowed ... not even if they are like the great sea, charged with salt and sand ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

The Creator's Joy in his Creation
... Whose house I have made the wilderness, And the salt land his dwelling place; He
scorneth the tumult of the city ... Or will he harrow the valleys after thee? ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii the creators joy in.htm

The River of Life
... He has swept away mountains and valleys, and levelled all out into a great ... very solemnly
the Prophet's optimism pauses, and he says that the salt marshes by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

The Mediaeval History of Continental Churches
... 1], but the {123} Waldenses survive to the present day in the valleys of Piedmont ...
of things in which the purifying influences of the Church as "the salt of the ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter xi the mediaeval history.htm