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2 Kings 14:7

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He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

He slew {H5221} of Edom {H123} in the valley {H1516} of salt {H4417} ten {H6235} thousand {H505}, and took {H8610} Selah {H5554} by war {H4421}, and called {H7121} the name {H8034} of it Joktheel {H3371} unto this day {H3117}.

He slaughtered 10,000 men of Edom in the Salt Valley and captured Sela in the war, renaming it Yokte'el, as it is today.

Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day.

He slew of Edom in the Valley of Salt ten thousand, and took Sela by war, and called the name of it Joktheel, unto this day.

Commentary

2 Kings 14:7 details a significant military victory for King Amaziah of Judah against the nation of Edom. This verse records Amaziah's decisive triumph in the Valley of Salt, where he slew ten thousand Edomites, captured their capital city Selah, and renamed it Joktheel, marking a lasting change "unto this day."

Historical and Cultural Context

King Amaziah, son of Joash, ruled Judah for 29 years (2 Kings 14:2). While he initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, it was "not like David his father" (2 Kings 14:3), as he did not remove the high places. The conflict with Edom was long-standing; Edom, descendants of Esau, had been subject to Judah but had rebelled during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20). This campaign by Amaziah was an effort to reassert Judah's dominance and avenge previous losses. The "Valley of Salt" is generally identified as a region south of the Dead Sea, a strategic and geographically challenging area, underscoring the difficulty and scale of Amaziah's victory. The capture of Selah, a formidable rock fortress often identified with the later city of Petra, was a major achievement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Military Prowess and Divine Aid: The victory over Edom, particularly the taking of Selah, demonstrates Amaziah's military capability. The renaming of Selah to Joktheel, meaning "conquered by God" or "subdued by God," suggests Amaziah acknowledged divine assistance in his triumph, or at least wished to attribute it.
  • Reassertion of Authority: This battle was crucial for Judah to re-establish its regional power and control over traditional territories, particularly against a long-time adversary like Edom.
  • The Significance of Renaming: In ancient Near Eastern culture, renaming a conquered city was a powerful symbolic act, signifying complete subjugation and new ownership. Joktheel served as a permanent reminder of Judah's victory and, ostensibly, God's role in it.
  • Historical Record: The phrase "unto this day" emphasizes the lasting impact and memory of this event within the historical narrative of Israel, indicating that the new name and the memory of the conquest persisted for the original readers of 2 Kings.

Linguistic Insights

  • The city of Selah (סֶלַע) in Hebrew means "rock" or "crag," perfectly describing its natural, fortified location as a mountain stronghold.
  • The new name Joktheel (יָקְתְאֵל) is derived from Hebrew roots meaning "Yahweh is powerful" or "subdued by God." This name reflects either Amaziah's genuine belief that God granted the victory, or a strategic declaration to that effect.

Practical Application

While this verse describes an ancient military conquest, it offers several enduring lessons:

  • Acknowledging God in Success: Amaziah's renaming of Selah to Joktheel reminds us of the importance of recognizing God's hand in our achievements. Even when we exert great effort, true success often comes through divine favor.
  • The Dangers of Incomplete Obedience: Although Amaziah achieved a significant victory, his heart was "not perfect" with the Lord (2 Kings 14:3). This military success was followed by his later descent into idolatry and pride, detailed in 2 Chronicles 25, which ultimately led to his downfall. This serves as a cautionary tale that even great victories do not exempt us from the need for continued faithfulness.
  • Lasting Impact: Actions, whether good or bad, can have lasting consequences, as symbolized by the enduring new name of the city.

For a parallel account and more details on Amaziah's reign, consult 2 Chronicles 25.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 8:13 (5 votes)

    And David gat [him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being] eighteen thousand [men].

  • 1 Chronicles 18:12 (4 votes)

    Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.

  • Joshua 15:38 (4 votes)

    And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

  • Psalms 60:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:11 (2 votes)

    And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:12 (2 votes)

    And [other] ten thousand [left] alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

  • 2 Kings 8:20 (2 votes)

    In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.