Definition and Description:
Slime pits, also referred to as bitumen pits, are natural deposits of asphalt or tar. In biblical times, these pits were significant for their use in construction and waterproofing due to the adhesive and sealing properties of bitumen. The term "slime" in the Bible often refers to this naturally occurring substance, which was abundant in certain regions of the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:
The most notable mention of slime pits is found in the account of the Battle of the Kings in Genesis 14. The passage describes a conflict involving several kings, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, who fled and fell into these pits:

"Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, but the rest fled to the hill country." (Genesis 14:10)

This verse highlights the geographical and strategic significance of the slime pits in the Valley of Siddim, which is traditionally associated with the area around the Dead Sea. The presence of these pits posed a hazard to those unfamiliar with the terrain, as evidenced by the fate of the fleeing kings.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the ancient world, bitumen was a valuable resource. It was used in the construction of buildings and infrastructure, notably in the waterproofing of the ark by Noah and the basket of Moses. The use of bitumen in construction is further illustrated in the building of the Tower of Babel:

"They said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar." (Genesis 11:3)

This passage indicates the technological advancements of the time, as bitumen provided a durable and effective binding material for construction projects.

Geographical Significance:
The Valley of Siddim, where the slime pits were located, is believed to be part of the region surrounding the Dead Sea. This area is known for its rich deposits of bitumen, which have been exploited since ancient times. The geological activity in the region, including the presence of tar pits, is consistent with the biblical descriptions.

Theological Implications:
The mention of slime pits in the Bible serves as a reminder of the natural resources provided by God and their role in human history. The narrative of the kings falling into the pits can be seen as a metaphor for the consequences of sin and the pitfalls of human pride and rebellion against God. The use of bitumen in biblical construction projects also underscores the ingenuity and resourcefulness bestowed upon humanity by the Creator.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide extensive details about slime pits, their mention in key narratives highlights their importance in the ancient world. These natural features not only played a role in historical events but also serve as symbols of the challenges and resources present in God's creation.Slime Pits

SLIME; SLIME PITS

slim, slim'-pits (chemar; Septuagint asphaltos; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) bitumen; the Revised Version margin "bitumen"; compare Arabic chummar, "bitumen"; and compare chomer, "clay," "mortar"): In the account of the ark in Genesis 6:14, kopher Septuagint asphaltos; Vulgate: bitumen; compare Arabic kufr, "pitch") does not necessarily denote vegetable pitch, but may well mean bitumen. The same may be said of zepheth, "pitch" (compare Arabic zift, "pitch"), in Exodus 2:3 and Isaiah 34:9. The word "slime" occurs in the following passages: "And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar" (Genesis 11:3); "Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits" (Genesis 14:10, margin "bitumen pits"); "She took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch" (Exodus 2:3).

Bitumen is a hydrocarbon allied to petroleum and natural gas. It is a lustrous black solid, breaking with a conchoidal fracture, burning with a yellow flame, and melting when ignited. It is probably derived from natural gas and petroleum by a process of oxidation and evaporation, and its occurrence may be taken as a sign that other hydrocarbons are or have been present in the strata. It is found in small lumps and larger masses in the cretaceous limestone on the west side of the Dead Sea, and there is reason to believe that considerable quantities of it rise to the surface of the Dead Sea during earthquakes. In ancient times it was exported to Egypt to be used in embalming mummies. Important mines of it exist at Chasbeiya near Mt. Hermon and in North Syria. Springs of liquid bituminous matter exist in Mesopotamia, where according to Herodotus and other classical writers it was used as mortar with sun-dried bricks. Various conjectures have been made as to the part played by bitumen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Diodorus Siculus calls the Dead Sea limne asphalstitis, "lake of asphalt."

See SIDDIM; CITIES OF THE PLAIN.

Alfred Ely Day

The Destruction of the Sodomites by the Assyrian Wall.
... And when they were come over against Sodom, they pitched their camp at the vale
called the Slime Pits, for at that time there were pits in that place; but now ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 the destruction of.htm

"Above the Sun. "
... He who in the sandy desert looks for springs to quench his thirst Finds his fountains
are but slime-pits such as Siddim's vale accursed; He who hopes to still ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jennings/old groans and new songs/above the sun.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4. <. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

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