He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
2 KINGS 14:7KJVWhat does 2 Kings 14:7 mean?
2 Kings 14:7 describes how the king of Judah defeated ten thousand men from Edom in the Valley of Salt, captured the city of Selah by force, and renamed it Joktheel, a name that was still used at the time the account was written. This verse highlights a significant military victory and territorial gain for Judah.
The verse is part of the account of King Amaziah’s reign over Judah. After securing his rule, Amaziah led his army against Edom, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Judah. The Valley of Salt was a strategic location near the Dead Sea, and capturing Selah (a fortified city) showed Judah’s strength. Renaming the city to Joktheel signified Judah’s control and the importance of the victory.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:7
- סֶלַע (Selah, transliterated "Selah") means "rock" and refers to a fortified city, likely in Edom. Capturing Selah shows Amaziah’s campaign reached deep into enemy territory.
- יָקְתְאֵל (Yoktheel, transliterated "Joktheel") is the new name Amaziah gave to Selah. The act of renaming a conquered city was a way for ancient kings to assert dominance and mark a significant victory.
- עֵמֶק הַמֶּלַח (ʿemeq ha-melach, transliterated "valley of salt") refers to a real geographic location near the Dead Sea, known for its salt deposits. This detail grounds the story in a specific, well-known place.
Why 2 Kings 14:7 matters
- The verse clarifies that Amaziah’s victory over Edom was not just a minor skirmish but a major event, involving the capture of a key city and a significant loss for Edom.
- By mentioning the renaming of Selah to Joktheel, the verse emphasizes the lasting impact of Amaziah’s conquest and Judah’s assertion of power.
- This event connects to the larger narrative of Judah’s kings, showing both the successes and the challenges they faced in maintaining and expanding their territory.