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