The Hebrew word Siddîym, represented by H7708, refers to a specific valley in Palestine known as the vale of Siddim. The term is defined as "flats" and appears 3 times in 3 unique verses, all within the same biblical narrative. It designates the location of a significant ancient event.
In the biblical narrative, the vale of Siddim H7708 is introduced as a meeting place and a battlefield. A confederation of kings, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, "were joined together" in this valley Genesis 14:3. It served as the setting where five local kings joined battle H6186 against an invading force Genesis 14:8. The valley's terrain was a defining feature of the conflict; it was described as being full of "slimepits" H2564, where the kings H4428 of Sodom H5467 and Gomorrah H6017 fled H5127 and fell H5307 during the battle Genesis 14:10.
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Siddim H7708:
- H6010 ʻêmeq (vale): This word for a broad depression or valley is always used in conjunction with Siddim, specifying the type of geographical feature it was Genesis 14:3.
- H2564 chêmâr (slime): This term, meaning bitumen, describes the hazardous nature of the valley, which was full of slimepits and contributed to the defeat of the local kings Genesis 14:10.
- H4421 milchâmâh (battle): The primary event associated with the vale of Siddim is the battle that was joined there between two groups of kings Genesis 14:8.
- H3220 yâm (sea): The scripture provides a crucial geographical identifier, stating that the vale of Siddim "is the salt H4417 sea" Genesis 14:3.
The geographical significance of H7708 is noteworthy in the Genesis account.
- A Strategic Location: The vale of Siddim was the chosen location for allied kings to gather and join H2266 their forces, highlighting its role as a strategic meeting point Genesis 14:3.
- A Hazardous Battlefield: The landscape was uniquely dangerous, being a vale H6010 filled with slimepits H875 H2564. This terrain directly impacted the outcome of the war, as the fleeing kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fell there Genesis 14:10.
- Future Geographical Identity: The narrative makes a direct connection between this historical location and a later, more permanent one, stating that the vale of Siddim is the "salt H4417 sea H3220" Genesis 14:3.
In summary, Siddîym H7708 is not a common term but a highly specific geographical name. Its few appearances in scripture are packed with significance, defining the location of a pivotal battle involving the cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. Characterized by its treacherous slimepits and later identified as the Salt Sea, the vale of Siddim serves as a memorable landmark within the patriarchal narratives of Genesis.
TRV