And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.

2 CHRONICLES 25:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:11 describes how King Amaziah of Judah gathered his strength, led his army to the Valley of Salt, and defeated ten thousand men from Seir, the region associated with Edom. This verse highlights a specific military victory during Amaziah’s reign.

In this passage, the focus is on Amaziah taking initiative and leading his people into battle against the Edomites, who are called the "children of Seir." The Valley of Salt is a real location south of the Dead Sea, known for previous battles in Israel’s history. The verse records a decisive victory, showing Amaziah’s leadership and the scale of the defeat inflicted on Edom.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:11

  • "Strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word often means to become strong or courageous. Here, it suggests that Amaziah prepared himself mentally and physically for the challenge ahead.
  • "Valley" (גַּיְא, gay) and "Salt" (מֶלַח, melach): Together, these words refer to the Valley of Salt, a significant battlefield in the region’s history, reminding readers of earlier victories and conflicts.
  • "Children" (בֵּן, ben) of "Seir" (שֵׂעִיר, Seir): This phrase identifies the defeated group as Edomites, linking the event to the ongoing struggles between Judah and Edom.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Amaziah’s victory was not accidental or due to outside help; he actively prepared and led his people, emphasizing his role as a capable leader at this point in his reign.
  • Mentioning the Valley of Salt connects Amaziah’s actions to earlier biblical events, showing continuity in Israel’s history and God’s dealings with Edom.
  • The scale of the victory—defeating ten thousand—sets up the following verses, which describe what Amaziah did after the battle and how his choices shaped the rest of his rule.

Where else these words appear

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.

“forth” Hebrew H5090 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
  • 1 Samuel 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
  • Psalms 80:1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

“Seir” Hebrew H8165 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.
  • Judges 5:4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.

“Amaziah” Hebrew H558 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.