Reference: Hinnom, Valley of
Hastings
It was close to the walls of Jerusalem 'by the entry of the gate Harsith' (Jer 19:2 RV), possibly the Dung-gate. Evidently the Valley-gate opened into it (Ne 2:13; 3:13). It formed part of the boundary between Judah and Benjamin (Jos 15:8; 18:18). The place acquired an evil repute on account of the idolatrous practices carried on there (2Ki 23:10; 2Ch 28:3; 33:6), and on this account Jeremiah (Jer 7:32; 19:6) announced that it was to receive the name 'valley of Slaughter.' Here perpetual fires are said to have been kept burning to consume the rubbish of the city. Such associations with the Valley led afterwards to Ge-hinnom (NT Gehenna) becoming the type of hell.
The situation of the Valley of Hinnom has been much disputed. Of the three valleys of Jerusalem
See Verses Found in Dictionary
and this border goes up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite towards the Negev; this is Jerusalem. Then this border goes up to the top of the mountain that is before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward;
and this border goes up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite towards the Negev; this is Jerusalem. Then this border goes up to the top of the mountain that is before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward;
and this border descends to the end of the mountain that is before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of the giants to the north, and descends then to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite towards the Negev and from there descends to the fountain of Rogel,
and passes along toward the side over against the valley of the north and descends to the plain;
And he defiled Tophet, which is in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.
And he defiled Tophet, which is in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.
And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the fountain of the dragon and to the dung port and considered the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.
The valley gate was restored by Hanun with the inhabitants of Zanoah; they rebuilt it and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and a thousand cubits in the wall unto the dung gate.
Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no longer be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter; for they shall bury in Tophet, for there shall be no other place.
and go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry by the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee.
Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that this place shall no longer be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of the slaughter.