valley of salt

AI summary: The Valley of Salt is remembered almost entirely through war, but those battles mattered greatly for control of the south. References in Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, and the Psalm heading connect the valley with decisive victories over Edom and the assertion of Judah's strength on a vulnerable frontier. Because the same location appears under more than one king, it stands as a recurring military landmark rather than a one-time battlefield. The cross references present the Valley of Salt as a southern victory ground tied to Judah's long struggle with Edom.¹

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). ³