a place where it is said David smote the Syrians (2Sa 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" (2Ki 14:7; comp. 2Ki 8:20-22; 2Ch 25:5-11).

Gee', more accurately "ravine," Melach. The battle field between Judah and Edom where David and Amaziah conquered Abishai. (See JOAB; DAVID; AMAZIAH; ABISHAI.) (2Sa 8:13; 1Ch 18:12; Psalm 60 title; 1Ki 11:15-16; 2Ki 14:7; 2Ch 25:11). (See EDOM Near the salt mountain (Usdum), the upper part of the Arabah or plain S. of the Salt Sea; the boundary between Judah and Edom. Grove objects to this identification with the plain intervening between the Dead Sea and the heights which cross the valley seven miles to the S. For

(1) ge is not elsewhere applied to a broad valley or sunk plain like the lower Ghor; 'eemeq or biquaah would be the name.

(2) 'Arabah was the Hebrew name.

(3) "Salt" is not necessarily the right translation of Melach.

(4) Amaziah brought 10,000 prisoners to Sela (Petra), Edom's stronghold, and cast them down; he would scarcely bring so many prisoners from near the Dead Sea, 50 miles through a hostile and difficult country; more likely the valley of Salt was nearer Petra.

The scene of memorable victories of David over the Edomites (2Sa 8:13; 1Ch 18:12), and, at a later period, of Amaziah over the same enemies (2Ki 14:7; 2Ch 25:11). It may be identified with the plain extending from the southern end of the Dead Sea to the foot of the cliffs which cross the valley from side to side and form the southern margin of the Ghor.

Place where battles were fought by David and Amaziah against their enemies. 2Sa 8:13; 2Ki 14:7; 1Ch 18:12; 2Ch 25:11; Ps. 60 title. It is supposed to be in the northern part of the Arabah valley, south of the Dead Sea.

Salt, Valley of,

a valley in which occurred two memorable victories of the Israelite arms:

1. That of David over the Edomites.

2Sa 8:13; 1Ch 18:12

2. That of Amaziah.

2Ki 14:7; 2Ch 25:11

It is perhaps the broad open plain which lies at the lower end of the Dead Sea, and intervenes between the lake itself and the range of heights which crosses the valley at six or eight miles to the south. This same view is taken by Dr. Robinson. Others suggest that it is nearer to Petra. What little can be inferred from the narrative as to its situation favors the latter theory.