2 kings 14:7 - He killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel, to this day.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 14:7

What does "2 kings 14:7" mean?


This verse from 2 Kings 14:7 describes a military victory by King Amaziah of Judah over the Edomites. Let's break it down:

"He killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt...": This indicates a significant battle fought in a region known as the "Valley of Salt." This area is generally believed to be south of the Dead Sea, a location known for its saline deposits. The killing of "ten thousand" is a large number and could be literal, or it might be a figure used to emphasize the scale of the victory.

"...and took Sela by war...": Sela was an important Edomite city, strategically located, possibly in modern-day Jordan (some scholars identify it with Petra). Taking it "by war" suggests a difficult siege or battle.

"...and called its name Joktheel, to this day.": After capturing Sela, Amaziah renamed it Joktheel. The meaning of "Joktheel" is uncertain, but it likely had significance for the Judahites. The phrase "to this day" is common in biblical texts and suggests that the new name remained in use, at least at the time the book was written.

In essence, the verse describes a military triumph of Amaziah, King of Judah, over Edom, including a major battle in the Valley of Salt, and the capture and renaming of the Edomite city of Sela.

Significance:

Demonstrates Amaziah's military strength: The verse highlights Amaziah's ability to wage successful war and expand Judah's territory or influence.
Illustrates the ongoing conflict between Judah and Edom: This verse is just one example of the long-standing tensions and conflicts between the kingdoms of Judah and Edom. They frequently clashed over land and resources.
Historical Documentation: It provides insight into the place names and events understood by the original audience of the book of Kings.
Theological Implication: From a theological perspective, this verse could be seen as an example of God granting victory to Judah (although the biblical text does not explicitly state this in this particular verse).

It's important to note that historical accounts, especially ancient ones, can be subject to interpretation and may not always be entirely accurate or objective. However, this verse provides valuable insight into the political and military landscape of the ancient Near East.