Salt, Valley of

The Valley of Salt was the site of two notable Israelite military victories. David smote the Syrians (or Edomites — the textual tradition is complex) in the Valley of Salt (2 Sam. 8:13; 1 Chr. 18:12; Ps. 60 title), reportedly killing 18,000 Edomites. Approximately two centuries later, Amaziah king of Judah also defeated Edom there, killing 10,000 in the valley and capturing 10,000 more prisoners whom he threw from the top of a cliff (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chr. 25:11). The valley is generally identified with the broad depression of the Arabah south of the Dead Sea, the salt flats near the Wadi el-Milh ("Salt Valley") between Judah and Edom. The salt marshes of this region would have made the area hostile terrain for a retreating army, contributing to the decisive nature of both victories.