Valley Of Salt
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Topical Encyclopedia
The Valley of Salt is a significant geographical and historical location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily noted for being the site of several important military victories for the Israelites. The Valley of Salt is generally identified with the area near the southern end of the Dead Sea, possibly in the region of modern-day Wadi el-Milh.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 8:13 (BSB): "And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt." This passage highlights King David's military prowess and God's favor upon him as he secured victories over the Edomites, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel.

2. 1 Chronicles 18:12 (BSB): "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 nephew, emphasizing the collective effort and leadership within David's reign.

3. 2 Kings 14:7 (BSB): "Amaziah struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela in battle. He called it Joktheel, the name it retains to this day." This verse recounts the victory of King Amaziah of Judah over the Edomites, further solidifying the Valley of Salt as a site of divine intervention and triumph for the Israelites.

4. Psalm 60:1 (BSB) Title: "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's title references the Valley of Salt, linking it to a broader context of David's military campaigns and the spiritual lessons derived from them.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Valley of Salt serves as a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. The victories achieved in this location underscore the theme of divine assistance in Israel's military endeavors, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The repeated successes in the Valley of Salt also illustrate the ongoing struggle between Israel and Edom, a conflict rooted in the ancestral rivalry between Jacob and Esau.

Theologically, the Valley of Salt symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over opposition, as the Israelites, under God's guidance, overcame their adversaries. These victories are seen as manifestations of God's justice and His commitment to uphold His covenant with Israel, ensuring their survival and prosperity in the Promised Land.

Geographical Context:

The Valley of Salt is believed to be located near the southern extremity of the Dead Sea, an area characterized by its arid and inhospitable terrain. The region's harsh environment may have contributed to the strategic advantage for the Israelites, who were familiar with the land and could effectively engage their enemies in battle. The valley's proximity to Edom also made it a frequent battleground in the ongoing hostilities between the two nations.

In summary, the Valley of Salt is a site of historical and spiritual importance in the biblical narrative, representing God's faithfulness and the enduring strength of His people in the face of adversity.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Valley Of Salt

a valley in which occurred two memorable victories of the Israelite arms:

  1. That of David over the Edomites. (2 Samuel 8:13; 1 Chronicles 18:12)
  2. That of Amaziah. (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chronicles 25:11) It is perhaps the broad open plain which lies at the lower end of the Dead Sea, and intervenes between the lake itself and the range of heights which crosses the valley at six or eight miles to the south. This same view is taken by Dr. Robinson. Others suggest that it is nearer to Petra. What little can be inferred from the narrative as to its situation favors the latter theory.
Library

Psalm LX.
... unto teaching for David himself, when he burned up Mesopotamia in Syria, and Syria
Sobal, and turned Joab, and smote Edom, in the valley of salt-pits twelve ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lx.htm

Psalm 60
... Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim, and with Aram-zobah,
when Joab returned and smote of Edom, in the valley of Salt, twelve thousand ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 60.htm

The Healing of the Waters
... of the valley an oasis of beauty. Many are the spiritual lessons to be gathered
from the story of the healing of the waters. The new cruse, the salt, the spring ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 18 the healing of.htm

Chapter xiv
... 370 b). 3. All these allied themselves for an expedition to the valley
of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Though the construction ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Gentleness Succeeding Strength
... the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into
some valley. ... And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gentleness succeeding strength.htm

Happy Pilgrims
... in Thee; in whose heart are the highways to Zion.6. Passing through the valley of
Weeping ... On any lower level it is perfectly true that the very salt of life is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/happy pilgrims.htm

Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter .
... it is written; He hath laid down ascents in the heart, in the valley of tears ... The
Truth also in person says, Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with ...
/.../epistle xxxii to anastasius presbyter.htm

The Kingdom of Christ
... salt of the world, meant to help it all from decay; but the salt had lost ... Three thousand
crosses would stand at one time in the valley below with a living man ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxiii the kingdom of christ.htm

What the Flowers Say.
... in a certain place, some up high on the hills, others down low in the valley; some
in ... to them, "Now I want one of you men to be a little pinch of salt in this ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxi what the flowers.htm

The Little Chamber on the Wall.
... by casting salt in the spring. He brought water for the thirsty armies of three
kings who had gathered to battle, by telling them to dig ditches in a valley of ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxviii the little chamber.htm

Resources
What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of Jezreel? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Shittim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Valley: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Valley

Valley Gate

Valley Of Achor

Valley Of Berachah

Valley of Decision

Valley of Giants

Valley Of Jehoshaphat

Valley of Keziz

Valley Of Salt

Valley of Slaughter

Valley of The Giants

Valley of Vision

Valley Vale

Related Terms

Valley-gate (3 Occurrences)

Achor (5 Occurrences)

Sorek (1 Occurrence)

Ben-hinnom (7 Occurrences)

Aro'er (15 Occurrences)

Eshcol (6 Occurrences)

Aroer (17 Occurrences)

Elah (17 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Baca (1 Occurrence)

Champaign (1 Occurrence)

Arnon (23 Occurrences)

Kidron (11 Occurrences)

Decision (174 Occurrences)

Pools (15 Occurrences)

Beth-peor (4 Occurrences)

Bethpeor (4 Occurrences)

Ebal (8 Occurrences)

Dale (2 Occurrences)

Beracah (2 Occurrences)

Slope (29 Occurrences)

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)

Ben (40 Occurrences)

King's (375 Occurrences)

Sela (5 Occurrences)

Baal-gad (3 Occurrences)

Baalgad (3 Occurrences)

Coelesyria

Coele-syria

Abel-meholah (3 Occurrences)

Abelmeholah (3 Occurrences)

Amalekites (36 Occurrences)

Extremity (46 Occurrences)

Vale (20 Occurrences)

Siddim (3 Occurrences)

Zoar (12 Occurrences)

En (19 Occurrences)

Merchandise (34 Occurrences)

Michmash (10 Occurrences)

Med'eba (4 Occurrences)

Berachah (2 Occurrences)

Ajalon (10 Occurrences)

Southern (9 Occurrences)

Shallecheth (1 Occurrence)

Shaveh (2 Occurrences)

Medeba (5 Occurrences)

Succoth (18 Occurrences)

Achan (7 Occurrences)

Hermon (16 Occurrences)

Esdraelon

Shiloah (1 Occurrence)

Siloah (1 Occurrence)

Southward (42 Occurrences)

Adullam (10 Occurrences)

Siloam (4 Occurrences)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Mount (311 Occurrences)

Edomites (22 Occurrences)

Ammonites (97 Occurrences)

Megiddo (13 Occurrences)

Arabah (32 Occurrences)

Sihon (34 Occurrences)

Boundary (83 Occurrences)

Viewed (9 Occurrences)

Zanoah (5 Occurrences)

Zephathah (1 Occurrence)

Zered (3 Occurrences)

Elam (24 Occurrences)

Elamites (2 Occurrences)

E'domites (13 Occurrences)

Eastern (22 Occurrences)

Dung-gate (4 Occurrences)

Megiddon (1 Occurrence)

Makkedah (8 Occurrences)

Passers-by (9 Occurrences)

Passengers (6 Occurrences)

Peor (14 Occurrences)

Beth-pe'or (4 Occurrences)

Valley of Rephaim
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