### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qidrôwn**, represented by `{{H6939}}`, refers to a **dusky place** and is known as the name of a **brook near Jerusalem**. It appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing its geographical and symbolic importance in the narrative of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the brook **Kidron** `{{H6939}}` primarily serves as a place for the disposal and destruction of idolatrous and unclean items. King Asa `{{H609}}` destroyed an idol `{{H4656}}` made by Maachah `{{H4601}}` and burnt it at the brook **Kidron** ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]). Similarly, during his reforms, King Josiah commanded that all vessels `{{H3627}}` made for Baal `{{H1168}}` be brought out of the temple `{{H1964}}` and burned in the fields `{{H7709}}` of **Kidron** [[2 Kings 23:4]]. The grove `{{H842}}` itself was also taken to the brook **Kidron** to be burned and stamped small `{{H1854}}` to powder `{{H6083}}` [[2 Kings 23:6]]. It is also the site where King David passed over in sorrow while fleeing from Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` toward the wilderness `{{H4057}}` [[2 Samuel 15:23]], and it is used as a boundary, the crossing of which would result in certain `{{H3045}}` death `{{H4191}}` [[1 Kings 2:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of **Kidron** `{{H6939}}`:
* `{{H5158}}` **nachal** (brook): This is the common Hebrew word for a **brook** or **stream**, often used in conjunction with **Kidron** to describe its physical nature as a torrent valley ([[2 Samuel 15:23]], [[1 Kings 15:13]]).
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (to burn): This action is consistently associated with **Kidron**, as it was the place where kings **burned** idols and objects of false worship as an act of purification and judgment ([[2 Kings 23:4]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]).
* `{{H2932}}` **ṭumʼâh** (uncleanness): This term describes the religious impurity of the items disposed of in **Kidron**. During Hezekiah's reforms, the Levites `{{H3881}}` carried all the **uncleanness** found in the temple `{{H1964}}` out to the brook **Kidron** [[2 Chronicles 29:16]].
* `{{H7993}}` **shâlak** (to cast): This word signifies the act of throwing away or disposing of defiled things. The dust `{{H6083}}` of illegitimate altars `{{H4196}}` and the altars for incense `{{H6999}}` were **cast** into the brook **Kidron** ([[2 Kings 23:12]], [[2 Chronicles 30:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6939}}` is significant, evolving from a place of defilement to one of promised holiness.
* **A Site of Judgment and Purification:** The brook **Kidron** repeatedly functions as the designated location for the kings of Judah `{{H3063}}` to purge the kingdom of idolatry. The destruction of idols `{{H4656}}` and groves `{{H842}}` there demonstrates a physical and spiritual cleansing of the land from what is unclean `{{H2932}}` in the sight of the LORD `{{H3068}}` ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Kings 23:6]]).
* **A Boundary of Sorrow and Consequence:** **Kidron** marks a geographical and emotional boundary. For David, crossing it symbolized his sorrowful flight from his throne [[2 Samuel 15:23]]. For others, it was a line of demarcation; to pass over `{{H5674}}` it was to face certain death `{{H4191}}`, establishing it as a place of solemn consequence [[1 Kings 2:37]].
* **A Prophecy of Ultimate Redemption:** In a powerful reversal, Jeremiah prophesies that the valley of **Kidron**, once a dumping ground for dead bodies `{{H6297}}` and the ashes `{{H1880}}` of idols, will one day be **holy** `{{H6944}}` unto the LORD `{{H3068}}`. It will never again be plucked up `{{H5428}}` or thrown down `{{H2040}}`, signifying its final, eternal consecration [[Jeremiah 31:40]].
### Summary
In summary, **Kidron** `{{H6939}}` transcends its identity as a mere brook. It serves as a potent symbol in scripture, initially representing a "dusky place" designated for the disposal of impurity and the execution of judgment [[2 Kings 23:12]]. It is a place of transition, marking both the sorrowful exile of a king [[2 Samuel 15:23]] and a point of no return [[1 Kings 2:37]]. Ultimately, its narrative arc points toward future redemption, where this valley of defilement is promised to become an eternally holy `{{H6944}}` place before the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Jeremiah 31:40]].
TRV