Topical Bible: Valleys: Canaan Abounded In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The land of Canaan, as described in the Bible, is a region rich in geographical diversity, including numerous valleys that played significant roles in the historical and spiritual narratives of the Israelites. These valleys were not only vital for agriculture and settlement but also served as settings for pivotal biblical events.

Geographical Significance

Canaan's valleys were fertile and well-watered, making them ideal for agriculture. The abundance of valleys contributed to the prosperity of the land, as described in Deuteronomy 8:7: "For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills." These valleys provided the Israelites with essential resources for sustenance and growth.

Notable Valleys in Canaan

1. Valley of Jezreel: This expansive valley is one of the most significant in Canaan, known for its strategic importance and agricultural productivity. It served as a battleground for several key conflicts, including the battle between Gideon and the Midianites (Judges 6-7). The Valley of Jezreel is also mentioned in Hosea 1:5, where God declares, "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel."

2. Valley of Achor: Known as the "Valley of Trouble," this valley is associated with the sin of Achan, who disobeyed God's command during the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 7). The valley became a symbol of judgment and redemption, as referenced in Hosea 2:15: "There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope."

3. Valley of Elah: This valley is famously known as the site of the battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The confrontation in the Valley of Elah highlights God's deliverance and the triumph of faith over physical might.

4. Valley of Hinnom: Located near Jerusalem, this valley became associated with idolatry and child sacrifice during the reigns of certain kings of Judah (2 Kings 23:10). It later became a symbol of judgment and was referred to as Gehenna in the New Testament, representing a place of final punishment.

5. Valley of Rephaim: Mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:18, this valley was a site of conflict between David and the Philistines. It was known for its fertile lands and was strategically important for controlling access to Jerusalem.

Spiritual and Symbolic Importance

Valleys in the biblical narrative often symbolize both physical and spiritual realities. They are places of testing, conflict, and divine intervention. The lushness and fertility of the valleys reflect God's provision and blessing, while the battles and events that occurred within them demonstrate His sovereignty and justice.

The valleys of Canaan, with their rich soil and strategic locations, were integral to the life and history of the Israelites. They served as reminders of God's promises and His faithfulness to His people, providing both sustenance and lessons in faith and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 11:11
But the land, where you go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinks water of the rain of heaven:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the ... specially reproved for
it; yet when they came to Canaan, where idolaters abounded, their non ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

The Call of Abraham
... us one's native songs to be sung in distant valleys. ... of old used to say that Canaan
was the ... has increased, and as our afflictions abounded, our consolations ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... humility; the outcasts and harlots as valleys of humiliation ... [Canaan was promised
as a land flowing with milk ... The country once abounded in wild bees, and their ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... lion to a lamb, and henceforth where sin abounded grace did ... traversed the desert
to sojourn in Canaan as a ... Great mountains are often succeeded by low valleys. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... and bare on the northern side, they sent out towards the south featureless monotonous
ridges, furrowed here and there by short narrow valleys, hollowed out in ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... that which crossed Mount Carmel, near Megiddo, and passed up the valleys of the ... with
some of the Hebrew clans after the latter had taken possession of Canaan. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... wooded, except in the higher valleys, where willows and poplars bordered the rivers,
and sycamores, beeches, limes, and plane trees abounded, besides several ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Their words distil into his soul; they speak the language of Canaan; they talk of
holy ... at that time; for being now in an army where wickedness abounded, he was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm