Topical Encyclopedia The Valley of Achor is a significant geographical and historical location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name "Achor" means "trouble" in Hebrew, and this valley is primarily associated with a pivotal event in the history of Israel during the conquest of Canaan.Biblical References: 1. Joshua 7:24-26 (BSB): The Valley of Achor is first mentioned in the context of the sin of Achan. After the Israelites' defeat at Ai, Joshua discovered that Achan had taken forbidden items from the spoils of Jericho, violating God's command. As a result, Achan, along with his family and possessions, was brought to this valley. "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 to the Valley of Achor. 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us?' said Joshua. 'Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you.' So all Israel stoned them to death and burned their bodies, and they raised over him a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day." 2. Isaiah 65:10 (BSB): The Valley of Achor is later mentioned in a prophetic context, symbolizing a place of hope and restoration. "Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for My people who seek Me." 3. Hosea 2:15 (BSB): The prophet Hosea also refers to the Valley of Achor as a symbol of hope and renewal. "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." Historical and Theological Significance: The Valley of Achor serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Achan's sin and its repercussions underscore the seriousness with which God views covenant faithfulness and the communal nature of sin and its effects on the people of Israel. The transformation of the Valley of Achor from a place of judgment to a symbol of hope and restoration in the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Hosea highlights God's redemptive purposes. It illustrates the theme of divine mercy and the possibility of renewal and blessing following repentance and obedience. Geographical Location: 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 proximity to these key locations in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan adds to its historical and theological importance. In summary, the Valley of Achor is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, representing both the severity of divine judgment and the hope of redemption and restoration for those who turn back to God. Smith's Bible Dictionary Valley Of Achor(valley of trouble), the spot at which Achan was stoned. (Joshua 7:24,26) On the northern boundary of Judah, (Joshua 15:7) near Jericho. Strong's Hebrew 5911. Akor -- "disturbance," a valley on the border of Judah... Definition: Achor. Word Origin from akar Definition "disturbance," a valley on the border of Judah NASB Word Usage Achor (5). Achor. From ... /hebrew/5911.htm - 6k Library The Valley of Achor The Fourth vision "On Earth" Receiving and Rejecting. Restraining Prayer: is it Sin? The Omnipotent Summons. "I Know, O Lord, that Thy Judgments are Right, and that Thou in ... Christ is King of Israel, and Christians are the Israelitic Race. July 16. "As the Hart Panteth after the Waterbrooks, So Panteth My ... The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly "Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge" Resources What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Jezreel? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Shittim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Valley: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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