Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and LocationSorek, often referred to as the Valley of Sorek, is a geographical location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. The name "Sorek" is believed to be derived from a Hebrew root meaning "choice vine," indicating the area's historical association with vineyards and wine production. The Valley of Sorek is traditionally identified with the modern Wadi es-Sarar, which runs through the Shephelah region of ancient Israel, extending from the Judean hills to the coastal plain near the Mediterranean Sea.
Biblical ReferencesThe most notable biblical reference to Sorek is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in the narrative concerning Samson.
Judges 16:4 states, "After this, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah" . This passage highlights Sorek as the setting for the infamous account of Samson and Delilah, where Delilah's betrayal leads to Samson's downfall. The valley's mention in this context underscores its role as a place of both physical and spiritual testing for Samson, a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth.
Historical and Cultural ContextIn the biblical narrative, the Valley of Sorek is situated within the territory of the Philistines, a significant detail given the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines during the period of the Judges. The Philistines were known for their advanced iron technology and formidable military presence, posing a constant threat to the Israelite tribes. The presence of Delilah in Sorek, a Philistine woman, further emphasizes the cultural and religious tensions of the time, as Samson's interactions with her ultimately lead to his capture and humiliation by the Philistines.
Symbolism and Theological ThemesThe Valley of Sorek serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of temptation, betrayal, and divine sovereignty. Samson's relationship with Delilah in Sorek is emblematic of his struggle with personal weaknesses and the consequences of straying from his divine calling. Despite his physical strength, Samson's vulnerability to Delilah's seduction illustrates the dangers of compromising one's faith and mission. The narrative also reflects the broader theme of God's providence, as even through Samson's failures, God's purposes for Israel are ultimately fulfilled.
Archaeological InsightsWhile direct archaeological evidence linking the modern Wadi es-Sarar to the biblical Valley of Sorek is limited, the region's historical significance as a fertile area conducive to agriculture and viticulture is well-documented. Excavations in the Shephelah have uncovered numerous ancient settlements and artifacts, providing insight into the cultural and economic life of the area during the biblical period. These findings support the biblical depiction of Sorek as a thriving region, integral to the narratives of the Judges era.
ConclusionThe Valley of Sorek remains a significant location within biblical history, primarily due to its association with the account of Samson and Delilah. Its mention in the Scriptures invites reflection on the complexities of human nature, the challenges of faithfulness, and the overarching sovereignty of God in the unfolding of His divine plan for His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Sorekvine; hissing; a color inclining to yellow
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sorek(red), The valley of, a wady in which lay the residence of Delilah. (Judges 16:4) It was possibly nearer Gaza than any other of the chief Philistine cities, since thither Samson was taken after his capture at Delilah's house.
ATS Bible Dictionary
SorekA valley in which Delilah resided, not far from Zorah, and Eshtaol, Jud 16:4. In winter and spring it was the channel of a brook, flowing northwest from Judah, by the region of Dan and the Philistines, into the Mediterranean. Jerome mentions a village of Sorek in that vicinity. The same Hebrew word, translated "choice" and "noble" inGenesis 49:11;Isaiah 5:2;Jeremiah 2:21, its the name of a vine bearing small grapes, but very sweet and almost without seeds. This vine may have given the valley its name.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Choice vine, the name of a valley, i.e., a torrent-bed, now the Wady Surar, "valley of the fertile spot," which drains the western Judean hills, and flowing by Makkedah and Jabneel, falls into the sea some eight miles south of Joppa. This was the home of Deliah, whom Samson loved (
Judges 16:4).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SOREK, VALLEY OFso'-rek (nachal soreq, "the valley of the choice (soreq) vine" (see VINE); sorech): "(Samson) loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah" (Judges 16:4). Jerome (OS, 153, 6) mentions a Capharsorec which was near Saraa (ancient ZORAH (which see)); this latter is undoubtedly the village of Sura`h, high up upon the northern slopes of the great Wady es Surar. About 3/4 of a mile West of this is Khurbet Surik, which is certainly the site referred to by Jerome, and possibly marks that of a more ancient town which gave its name to the whole valley. This valley is of importance in the historical geography of Palestine out of all proportion to its scanty mention in the Old Testament (HGHL, 218;). The Wady es Surar is an expansion of the ravine Wady Isma`in (which itself is formed by the junction of the great Wady Beit Chanineh, which rises near Bereh, and the Wady es Sikkeh, which drains the "Plain of Rephaim" near Jerusalem). The Jerus-Jaffa Railway traverses successively the Wady es Surar, the Wady Ismai`n and the Wady es Sikkeh to reach the Jerusalem plateau. The Valley of Sorek is a name which probably belonged only to the open, fertile valley, well suited for vineyards, which traverses the Shephelah. It is now given over almost entirely to the cultivation of wheat, barley and maize (durra). The valley passes between the lofty hill of Sara`h (Zorah) to the North and `Ain Shems (Beth-shemesh) and Tibneh (Timnah) on the South. Standing on the ruins of Beth-shemesh, one can watch the modern railway train winding for miles up the valley along almost the very road from Ekron (now `Akiv), upon which came the strange sight of the milch kine dragging the ark (1 Samuel 6:12). Very probably it was in this valley that the Philistines were defeated (1 Samuel 7:5-14) (PEF, III, 53, Sh XVII).
E. W. G. Masterman
Strong's Hebrew
7796. Sowreq -- "choice vines," a valley where Delilah lived... 7795b, 7796. Sowreq. 7796a . "choice vines," a valley where Delilah lived.
Transliteration: Sowreq Phonetic Spelling: (so-rake') Short Definition:
Sorek.
Sorek...7796a. Soreq -- "choice vines," a valley where Delilah lived
Soreq or Soreq. 7796, 7796a. Soreq or Soreq. 7796b . "choice vines," a valley
where Delilah lived. Transliteration: Soreq or Soreq Short Definition:Sorek....
Library
A Strong Man who Lost his Strength
... THE OLD TESTAMENT A STRONG MAN WHO LOST HIS STRENGTH. Afterward, Samson fell
in love with a woman in the valley ofSorek, named Delilah....
Argument from the Destruction of Jerusalem and Desolation of Judea...
... And "the clouds were commanded not to rain a shower upon the vineyard ofSorek,"
[1434] "the clouds being celestial benefits, which were commanded not to be...
Good Works
... We must not look for good works in an evil nature any more than we should
look for the grapes ofSorek on the vines of Gomorrah....
Parallels from the Prophets to Illustrate Christ's Teaching in the...
... 7). The designation comes from ver. 2, where the original clause vythz sr is
translated in the Septuagint, Kai ephuteusa ampelonSorek....
Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested...
... And afterward it came to pass he saw, And lov'da woman named Delilah, Who in the
vale ofSorek dwelt, to whom There did the lords of the Philistines come, And...
Thesaurus
Sorek (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SOREK, VALLEY OF. so'-rek
... XVII). EWG Masterman.
Multi-Version Concordance
Sorek (1 Occurrence). Judges
...Zorah (10 Occurrences)
... 31). It was situated on the crest of a hill overlooking the valley ofSorek,
and was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:10)....
Delilah (7 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Languishing, a Philistine woman who dwelt in the
valley ofSorek (Judges 16:4-20). She was bribed by the...
Sorely (23 Occurrences)
Vine (76 Occurrences)
... of Sodom." (2) soreq, in Isaiah 5:2, "choicest vine"; soreq, in Jeremiah 2:21,
"noble vine"; soreqah, in Genesis 49:11, "choice vine"; compareSOREK, VALLEY OF...
Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... Zorah (now Sara`), Eshtaol (now Eshu`a) and Beth-shemesh (now `Ain Shems), are
all within sight of each other close to the Vale ofSorek....
Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... The opinion, however, that it is to be identified with `Erma, 4 miles east of `Ain
Shems, on the edge of the valley ofSorek, seems to be better supported....
Kiriathjearim
... Zorah (now Sara`), Eshtaol (now Eshu`a) and Beth-shemesh (now `Ain Shems), are
all within sight of each other close to the Vale ofSorek....
Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)
... The opinion, however, that it is to be identified with `Erma, 4 miles east of `Ain
Shems, on the edge of the valley ofSorek, seems to be better supported....
Gezer (14 Occurrences)
... to Jerusalem, and up which ran the great high road, by the Beth-horons, to the platenu
North of Jerusalem; to the South lies the Vale ofSorek, where stood...
Resources
What should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Delilah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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