Topical Encyclopedia
The term "valley" in the Bible often refers to low-lying geographical areas between hills or mountains. Valleys in biblical times were significant for various reasons, including agriculture, habitation, and as routes for travel and trade. They also held symbolic meanings, often representing places of decision, battle, or divine encounter.
Biblical References and Significance:1.
Symbolism and Imagery: Valleys in Scripture frequently symbolize trials, challenges, or places of testing. For instance, the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" in
Psalm 23:4 is a metaphor for deep darkness or peril, yet it is also a place where God's presence is profoundly felt: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
2.
Historical and Geographical Context: Valleys were often sites of significant historical events. The Valley of Elah, for example, is where David famously defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17). This valley served as a battleground, illustrating how valleys could be places of both danger and divine victory.
3.
Agricultural Importance: Valleys were fertile and crucial for agriculture, providing sustenance for the people. The Valley of Jezreel, mentioned in
Hosea 1:5, was known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity. This valley was also a strategic location due to its fertile land and central position in Israel.
4.
Spiritual Lessons: Valleys often serve as settings for spiritual lessons or divine encounters. The Valley of Achor, mentioned in
Joshua 7:24-26, was initially a place of trouble due to Achan's sin but later became a "door of hope" as referenced in
Hosea 2:15. This transformation highlights themes of repentance and redemption.
5.
Prophetic and Eschatological Significance: In prophetic literature, valleys can symbolize future judgment or restoration. The Valley of Jehoshaphat, mentioned in
Joel 3:2, is depicted as a place where God will judge the nations. This valley represents divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness.
6.
Valleys as Places of Refuge and Renewal: Valleys could also be places of refuge and renewal. The Valley of Baca, mentioned in
Psalm 84:6, is described as a place of weeping that becomes a place of springs, symbolizing transformation and blessing for those who seek God: "As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools."
Conclusion:Valleys in the Bible are rich with meaning, serving as physical locations and powerful symbols of human experience and divine interaction. They remind believers of God's presence in times of trial, His provision in times of need, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Valley ValeIt is hardly necessary to state that these words signify a hollow sweep of ground between two more or less parallel ridges of high land. The structure of the greater part of the holy land does not lend itself to the formation of valleys in our sense of the word. The abrupt transitions of its crowded rocky hills preclude the existence of any extended sweep of valley. Valley is employed in the Authorized Version to render five distinct Hebrew words.
- Emek . This appears to approach more nearly to the general sense of the English word than any other. It is connected with several places.
- Gai orge . Of this there is fortunately one example which can be identified with certainty --the deep hollow which compasses the southwest and south of Jerusalem. This identification establishes thege as a deep and abrupt ravine, with steep sides and narrow bottom.
- Nachal . This word answers to the Arabic wady, and expresses, as no single English word can, the bed of a stream (often wide and shelving, and like a "valley" in character, which in the rainy season may be nearly filled by a foaming torrent, though for the greater part of the year dry).
- Bikah . This term appears to mean rather a plain than a valley, though so far resembling it as to be enclosed by mountains. It is rendered by "valley" in (34:3;Joshua 11:8,17;12:7;2 Chronicles 35:22;Zechariah 12:11)
- has-Shefelah . The district to which the namehas-Shefelah is applied in the Bible has no resemblance whatever to a valley, but is a broad, swelling tract of many hundred miles in area, which sweeps gently down from the mountains Judah to the Mediterranean. It is rendered "the vale" in (1:7;Joshua 10:40;1 Kings 10:27;2 Chronicles 1:15;Jeremiah 33:13) and "the valley" or "the valleys" in (Joshua 9:1;11:2,16;12:8;15:33;Judges 1:9;Jeremiah 32:44)
Strong's Hebrew
6010. emeq -- avale... dale,
vale,
valley often used as a part of proper names. From amaq; a
vale (ie Broad
depression) -- dale,
vale,
valley (often used as a part of proper names).
...Library
A Sight of Judea
... it hath a mountainous part, a plain, and avale. From Beth-horon to Emmaus is
mountainous,"from Emmaus to Lydda is plain,"from Lydda to the sea isvalley."...
The Routing of Giant Doubt
... read no more. "We soon left the main road and entered a darkvalley called
Vale of Destruction. "'Let me go,' I shouted. "'I will...
TheValley of the Shadow of Death. --Psalm xxiii. 4
... 4. 7.7.7.7 James Montgomery. TheValley of the Shadow of Death."Psalm 23:4. Though
I walk the downward shade,. Deepening through thevale of death,....
"Yea, Though I Walk through theValley of the Shadow of Death, I...
... Yea, though I walk through thevalley of the... Thou must go forth alone, my soul,"
To tread the narrowvale; But He, whose word is sure, hath said His comforts...
Jesus at the Well of Sychar
... the samevalley, the mud hovels of Sebastiyeh mark the site of ancient Samaria,
the magnificent Sebaste of Herod. North of the entrance to theVale of Shechem...
Pilgrims of the Victorious Life
... "Where do you live, Pilgrim Serene?". "I live in PovertyVale. The floor of the
valley is very hard and poor. But Immanuel walks and talks with me....
The Wailing of Risca
...vale of Risca, I take up a lamentation for thee: the Lord hath dealt sorely with
thee. Behold, and see if there be sorrow in anyvalley like unto thy sorrow...
The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
... Some one said theVale of Hidden Delights is a good place to live in... battles to fight
[Luke 12:28; 1 John 5:4]. As to your settling here in theValley of Hidden...
David the Shepherd Youth.
... Once upon a time the Philistines gathered their young men, and came, with their
battle-flags and drums, up the greatVale of Elah, thevalley of oaks, to...
Some Other Memorable Places of the City.
... the rock called the Dove-cote,"and the hill beyond, which lies over thevalley of
Siloam. From thence bending on the west, he came even into thevale of the...
Resources
What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to walk through the valley of the shadow of death? | GotQuestions.orgValley: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
