Genesis 14:3

KJV

All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

All these were joined together {H2266} in the vale {H6010} of Siddim {H7708}, which {H1931} is the salt {H4417} sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the latter kings joined forces in the Siddim Valley, where the Dead Sea is.

Berean Standard Bible

The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).

American Standard Version

All these joined together in the vale of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The narrative precisely identifies the geographical location where the five rebellious city-kings of the plain united their forces to confront the Mesopotamian coalition, establishing the "vale of Siddim" as synonymous with "the salt sea," known today as the Dead Sea. This crucial detail grounds the narrative of the War of the Kings in a specific, identifiable historical and geographical setting, providing vital context for understanding the subsequent events involving Abram and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan amidst human conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral and explanatory detail within the broader narrative of the "War of the Kings" in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - The War of the Kings"). It immediately follows the introduction of the five rebellious kings of the plain—Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar)—who had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years but revolted in the thirteenth, as described in [Genesis 14:1-2](/genesis/14-1-2 "Genesis 14:1-2 - The Kings of the Plain Rebel"). Verse 3 serves to geographically pinpoint the strategic assembly point of these five kings, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with the invading eastern kings. This precise geographical identification is crucial for the reader to visualize the battleground and understand the subsequent capture of Lot, Abram's nephew, detailed in [Genesis 14:11-12](/genesis/14-11-12 "Genesis 14:11-12 - Lot's Capture"), which then triggers Abram's heroic rescue mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Genesis 14 reflects the geopolitical realities of the Ancient Near East during the early second millennium BCE. It was an era characterized by powerful city-states and regional empires, where vassalage and tribute were common, and rebellion often led to punitive military campaigns. The "kings" mentioned were likely rulers of relatively small city-states or tribal confederations. The "vale of Siddim," before its transformation, was a fertile plain, rich in bitumen pits ([Genesis 14:10](/genesis/14-10 "Genesis 14:10 - The Bitumen Pits")), making it a valuable agricultural and resource-rich area. The wealth of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah, situated in this plain, made them attractive targets for imperial powers like Chedorlaomer. The identification of this valley with the "Salt Sea" indicates a significant geographical shift, likely due to the later catastrophic events of [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), which transformed the once-fertile plain into the desolate, highly saline body of water known today as the Dead Sea.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 14:3 contributes to several key themes within the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **historical and geographical grounding of biblical events**. The Bible consistently roots its narratives in real places and times, reinforcing its claim to historical accuracy. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty amidst human conflict**. Even in a seemingly secular account of regional warfare, God's providential hand is at work, orchestrating events that will directly impact Abram, the bearer of the covenant promises. The conflict in the vale of Siddim ultimately leads to Abram's demonstration of faith and power, foreshadowing the greater spiritual battles to come. Thirdly, the identification of the vale with the "Salt Sea" subtly foreshadows the theme of **divine judgment** against sin, particularly against the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose destruction would dramatically alter this very landscape, as recorded in [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - God's Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **joined together (Hebrew, _châbar'_):** (H2266) A primitive root meaning "to join" (literally or figuratively), "to be compact," "to couple together," or "to league." In this context, it signifies the act of forming a united front or alliance. The five kings of the plain "leagued" or "confederated" their forces, indicating a strategic military alliance against their common oppressor. This word emphasizes the deliberate act of unification for a specific purpose—war.
* **vale (Hebrew, _ʻêmeq'_):** (H6010) Derived from a root meaning "to be deep," this noun refers to a "vale" or "broad depression," often a valley or low plain. It describes a geographical feature, typically a fertile area between hills or mountains. The "vale of Siddim" thus denotes a specific low-lying plain, which, prior to its desolation, was likely a productive and habitable region, suitable for the establishment of prosperous cities.
* **salt (Hebrew, _melach'_):** (H4417) From a root meaning "to pulverize" or "to dissolve," this noun refers to "salt" (as easily pulverized and dissolved). Its use here in "the salt sea" highlights the distinctive characteristic of this body of water: its extreme salinity, which makes it inhospitable to most life. This term is crucial for identifying the "vale of Siddim" with the Dead Sea, emphasizing its unique geological and chemical properties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these were joined together":** This clause refers to the five kings of the plain—the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (Zoar)—who had previously been introduced as having rebelled against Chedorlaomer. The phrase emphasizes their unified action, indicating a deliberate military alliance formed to resist the Mesopotamian invaders. It sets the stage for a collective confrontation.
* **"in the vale of Siddim":** This specifies the precise geographical location of their assembly. The "vale" (Hebrew *ʻêmeq*) suggests a low-lying plain or valley, likely fertile and suitable for battle formations. The name "Siddim" itself is of uncertain etymology, possibly relating to "fields" or "plains," reinforcing the idea of an open area. This detail provides a concrete setting for the impending conflict.
* **"which is the salt sea":** This crucial parenthetical statement identifies the "vale of Siddim" with the "Salt Sea," universally recognized as the Dead Sea. This identification is highly significant. It tells the reader that by the time the text was written, the once-existing "vale of Siddim" had either been submerged or transformed into the highly saline body of water. This connection not only anchors the narrative geographically but also subtly foreshadows the future destruction of the cities of the plain, which would dramatically alter the landscape and contribute to the Dead Sea's formation or expansion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Apposition** and **Geographical Realism**. **Apposition** is evident in the phrase "the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea," where "the salt sea" serves to identify and clarify what "the vale of Siddim" is. This literary technique provides a crucial geographical anchor for the reader, linking an ancient place name to a well-known landmark. This also contributes to the **Geographical Realism** of the narrative, grounding the biblical account in tangible, identifiable locations. By providing such precise geographical details, the text enhances its credibility and historical verisimilitude. Furthermore, the mention of the "salt sea" carries a subtle element of **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**. Given the later destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the "salt sea" becomes a powerful symbol of divine judgment and desolation, hinting at the fate awaiting the wicked cities of the plain situated within or near this very valley.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 14:3, though seemingly a simple geographical detail, profoundly contributes to the Bible's overarching theological narrative. It underscores the divine commitment to grounding sacred history in real-world geography and human events, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture. The precise identification of the "vale of Siddim" with the "Salt Sea" demonstrates that God's plan unfolds not in mythical realms, but within the tangible realities of human history and geography. This detail highlights the intersection of human agency (the kings' rebellion and alliance) with divine sovereignty, as these events ultimately serve to bring Abram into prominence and advance the covenant promises. The transformation of a fertile valley into a desolate salt sea also serves as an enduring testament to the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment, a theme that reverberates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate expression in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 3:17](/deuteronomy/3-17 "Deuteronomy 3:17 - Sea of the Arabah")
* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Ezekiel 47:8-9](/ezekiel/47-8-9 "Ezekiel 47:8-9 - Healing of the Dead Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even seemingly minor geographical details in Scripture, such as the identification of the Vale of Siddim, serve to root the divine narrative firmly in human history and real places. This verse reminds us that biblical events are not abstract tales but occurred in specific, identifiable locations, involving real people and real conflicts. Understanding these precise details enriches our comprehension of the narrative and reinforces the Bible's reliability as a historical document. For the modern reader, this encourages a deeper trust in God's interaction with humanity, demonstrating that His sovereign plan unfolds within the tangible realities of our world. It invites us to consider how God works through the "valleys" and conflicts of our own lives and societies, shaping events for His ultimate purposes. Just as the physical landscape was transformed, our spiritual landscapes can be transformed by God's judgment and grace, leading us to seek His purposes in our own historical contexts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's emphasis on precise geographical and historical details strengthen your faith in its truthfulness and authority?**
* **In what ways might the "transformation" of the Vale of Siddim into the Salt Sea serve as a metaphor for spiritual realities in our lives or in the world today?**
* **How does understanding the historical context of a biblical passage, such as the geopolitical landscape of Genesis 14, deepen your appreciation for God's sovereign hand in human affairs?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "vale of Siddim" also called the "Salt Sea" in Genesis 14:3?**

Answer: The identification of the "vale of Siddim" with the "Salt Sea" (the Dead Sea) in [Genesis 14:3](/genesis/14-3 "Genesis 14:3 - The Vale of Siddim Identified") suggests a significant geographical transformation or a contemporary understanding of the region by the time the text was written. Originally, the Vale of Siddim was likely a fertile plain, suitable for the wealthy cities of the plain, characterized by bitumen pits ([Genesis 14:10](/genesis/14-10 "Genesis 14:10 - The Bitumen Pits")). Its later equation with the highly saline Dead Sea indicates that by the time of the biblical writer, this once-fertile area had either become significantly more saline due to natural geological processes or, more powerfully, had undergone the dramatic desolation associated with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - God's Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah")). This catastrophic event transformed parts of the valley into a desolate, salt-laden body of water. This dual naming thus highlights both the evolving nature of the landscape and the profound, lasting impact of divine judgment on the region.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 14:3](/genesis/14-3 "Genesis 14:3 - The Vale of Siddim Identified") primarily provides geographical context for a historical conflict, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate victor over the powers of this world and the one who establishes a new, eternal kingdom. The "War of the Kings" in the Vale of Siddim, though a physical battle, foreshadows the spiritual warfare in which Christ engaged and triumphed over sin and death. Just as Abram, a type of Christ, intervened to rescue Lot and restore order, Christ, the true King, entered the world's conflict to deliver humanity from bondage and bring about a new creation. His victory over the "rulers and authorities" of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")) far surpasses any earthly military triumph. The desolation of the Salt Sea, a symbol of judgment against sin, finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who bore the judgment for humanity's sin on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through Him, a new spiritual landscape is forged, where the barrenness of sin is replaced by the flourishing life of God's kingdom ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). His kingdom is not bound by earthly geography or subject to the rise and fall of human empires, but is eternal and righteous, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham in a spiritual and universal sense, culminating in a new heavens and a new earth where there is no more sea of desolation, but a river of life ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth"); [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 3:17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

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.

Numbers 34:12

And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.