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◄ Valley Of Berachah►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Valley of Berachah, meaning "Valley of Blessing," is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah. This valley is noted for its association with a miraculous victory and subsequent thanksgiving to God.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical reference to the Valley of Berachah is found in2 Chronicles 20. During the reign of Jehoshaphat, the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites came to wage war against Judah. Alarmed by the vast army, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord's guidance, proclaiming a fast throughout Judah. The people of Judah gathered to seek help from the Lord, and Jehoshaphat prayed earnestly for deliverance.

In response to their prayers, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who assured the people that the battle was not theirs but God's. Jahaziel instructed them to march against the enemy but assured them they would not need to fight. Instead, they were to stand firm and witness the salvation of the Lord.

The following day, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the Lord as they went out before the army. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy forces, causing them to turn on each other. By the time the men of Judah reached the watchtower overlooking the wilderness, they saw only dead bodies; not one of the enemy had escaped.

2 Chronicles 20:26 : "On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Berachah to this day."

After the victory, Jehoshaphat and his people gathered in the Valley of Berachah to bless and thank the Lord for His deliverance. The valley was named "Berachah" to commemorate the blessing and thanksgiving offered to God.

Significance:

The Valley of Berachah serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His deliverance. The account emphasizes the power of prayer, worship, and reliance on God in times of overwhelming odds. It illustrates the principle that victory comes not through human might or power but through the Spirit of the Lord.

The account of the Valley of Berachah also highlights the role of communal worship and thanksgiving. The people of Judah, led by their king, collectively sought the Lord and later gathered to give thanks, demonstrating the importance of unity in faith and worship.

Location:

The exact geographical location of the Valley of Berachah is not definitively known today. It is believed to be situated near Tekoa, south of Jerusalem, in the Judean wilderness. The historical and spiritual significance of the valley, however, remains a testament to God's intervention and the blessings that follow obedience and faithfulness.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Valley Of Berachah

a valley in which Jehoshaphat and his people assembled to "bless" Jehovah after the overthrow of the hosts of Moabites. (2 Chronicles 20:26) It is now calledBereikut , and lies between Tekua and the main road from Bethlehem to Hebron.

Strong's Hebrew

1294. Berakah -- an Israelite, also avalley in Judah
...Berachah. The same as Brakah; Berakah, the name of an Israelite, and also of avalley
in Palestine --Berachah. see HEBREW Brakah. 1293, 1294. Berakah. 1295...

Library

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... certain hollow place orvalley, and blessed God for his power and assistance, from
which the place had this name given it, theValley of [Berachah, or] Blessing...

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... It would be tedious were I tell of thevalley of Achor, that is, of trouble and
crowds,' where theft and covetousness were condemned; [2851] and of Bethel, the...

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... it: "Labour is no cherpah (disgrace)"; or again: "Melachah isberachah (Labour is...
A wholevalley"that of the Tyropoeon"was occupied by dairies; hence its...