### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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