Valley of Salt

Valley · today: from nbd

A place where it is said David smote the Syrians (2 Sam. 8:13). This valley (the’ Arabah) is between Judah and Edom on the south of the Dead Sea. Hence some interpreters would insert the words, “and he smote Edom,” after the words, “Syrians” in the above text. It is conjectured that while David was leading his army against the Ammonites and Syrians, the Edomites invaded the south of Judah, and that David sent Joab or Abishai against them, who drove them back and finally subdued Edom. (Comp. title to Ps. 60.)

Here also Amaziah “slew of Edom ten thousand men” (2 Kings 14:7; comp. 8: 20-22 and 2 Chr. 25:5-11).

Named in 4 verses

2 Samuel 8:13 David earned a reputation when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand men of the Syrians in the Valley of Salt.

2 Kings 14:7 He killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel, to this day.

1 Chronicles 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah struck eighteen thousand of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

2 Chronicles 25:11 Amaziah took courage, and led his people out and went to the Valley of Salt, and struck ten thousand of the children of Seir.