Today we are visiting the Valley of Jehoshaphat or the Valley of Decision that today is mostly known as the Kidron Valley. This valley is a historical site from the bible and I can’t wait to share it with you today.
The Kidron Valley is significant in history because
- Jesus would have passed through here traveling between Jerusalem and Bethany
- This is the place where the Garden of Gethsemane is located where Jesus prayed before being arrested
- The Mount of Olives is located here
- Idols were destroyed in this valley by godly Kings
- Jesus went through the valley to raise Lazarus from the Dead
- Jesus came to Jerusalem through the Valley of Josephat on the foal of a donkey for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem
What is the Significance of the Kidron Valley?
The Kidron Valley is where the King Jehoshaphat of Judah came against his enemies in 2 Chronicles 20. Their enemy was coming from Syria and was already at En Gedi. King Jehoshaphat called for a nationwide time of fasting and prayer to call on God to protect them. King Jehoshaphat called on the Lord begging for him to intercede and God answered through the prophet Jahaziel who told them that this was not their fight but it was God’s battle. He said…
‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the d]brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20: 15-17 NKJV
The Valley of Jehoshaphat is also the place where King David fled when his son Absalom was trying to steal his throne in 2 Samuel 15:23
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness.
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Is The Garden Of Gethsemene In The Kidron Valley? The Garden of Gethsemene is across the Valley of Jehoshaphat on the Mount of Olives. It is a mile-long area that runs along the side of Jerusalem.
Where Is The Valley Of Decision In The Bible? The valley of Decision is another name for the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The prophet Joel gave it that name in the book of Joel 3:14 in the old testament.
What Will Happen In The Valley Of Jehoshaphat? The Valley of Jehoshaphat in the book of Joel 3:12 is a place of God’s judgment where it says that all nations will be judged.
What Can We Learn From Jehoshaphat? I think we can learn from King Jehoshaphat the incredible importance of our walk with God and when making important decisions that we seek God first and not just do what is right in our own mind. Take time to fast and pray and seek God’s wisdom.
The Valley of Jehoshaphat
I delayed in posting this article since I had to get pictures from my son, Eric. Besides being cold on this day, it began to rain. I tried out my Big 5 rain poncho- one size fits all and it worked, but now I was really covered, backpack and all – not really conducive for picture taking, but here we go!
Joel 3:2 NKJV” I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgement with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.. “
The Valley of Jehoshaphat or the Kidron Valley as it is known today runs north and south and separates the Mount of Olives on the east and the Old City of Jerusalem on the west. (Refer to Mount of Olives article)
The Valley also runs all the way to the Dead Sea and is approximately 20 miles long altogether. The area we visited is directly below the “Olives” patio area where we first gathered after exiting the bus.
We entered the valley by following a walkway of sorts down and around until we gradually descended to the bottom of the valley. We walked around the graves shown in last week’s pictures.
Since it is right outside the city walls, the residents would have been very familiar with this area in past times as they are today.
The History And Prophecy Of The Valley Of Jehoshaphat
There is both history and prophecy in this Valley. In the Old Testament Israel’s King David fled across this valley and up to the Mount of Olives to escape his son Absalom who was trying to overthrow the kingdom of Israel. (2 Samuel 15:1-30)
You may recall from “The City of David” article, a couple of weeks ago discussing the consequences of our actions or lack thereof. Absalom and David’s fallout, I believe, was another direct consequence of David not taking action against his other son, Anmon after he raped David’s daughter and his own half-sister Tamar.
Tamar was Absalom’s sister and although David was angry, he took no action. Furious, Absalom did! (2 Sam 13:1-33). Two full years later, Absalom took the matter into his own hands and killed his half-brother, and fled. Three additional years passed and David grieved for Anmon but eventually allowed Absalom to return from his exile. David longed to see his son Absalom but still would not speak to him. Absalom became so resentful, that eventually, he tried to steal the kingdom from his father. (2 Sam 13 & 14) David was a passionate man and he loved his children. He was a righteous man although still only a man. His parenting skills were left wanting and how much pain did this cause for everyone.
Valley of Jehoshaphat – Absalom’s Monument
Absalom was eventually killed in a battle for the kingdom and buried in the woods according to the Bible. However, before his death, he built a monument to himself called Absalom’s Pillar. In this valley, we walked by a large monument that is attributed to this pillar, although some say it was located elsewhere. I documented earlier how Jewish people pay respect to the deceased when passing graves by placing a stone on the grave.
While traveling in the wilderness in those 40 years, graves had to be covered with stones to keep wild animals from disturbing the grave and so the custom continues. Not so with Absalom’s grave. To show their disrespect of Absalom, people throw stones at the pillar. So, when in Rome, so to speak, we each picked up a small stone or pebble and lined up in long lines. On the count of 3, the front line threw them at the Pillar of Absalom. Everyone got a chuckle out of this one even though it is really pretty sad.
Next to this pillar was King Hezekiah’s tomb.
Valley Of Jehoshaphat – Kidron Brook
There are many other references to the Brook Kidron in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, as it is right outside the city. Jesus crossed over this area to go up to the Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane on the very night he was betrayed. John 18:1 -2 NKJV “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered… ” The amazing thing about Bible prophecy, which comforts me as a believer, is that it has been 100% accurate!
Another example, Daniel’s prophetic words in Daniel 11 describes the Greek Empire 200 years before it came into existence and future kings 400 years before some of the kings lived! Not to mention the biggest prophecy of all, our Messiah!
While many prophecies have been fulfilled, others remain unfulfilled, and some unfulfilled prophecies are specific to this very valley where I stand. Previously when we were higher up, we looked across the valley to the old city walls built by the Turks about 480 years ago. You may recall that below this wall is the buried/sunken walls of the city built by the Jews about 1500 years earlier. I may have this wrong, but I think a father and son were walking by the eastern gate (which is totally sealed up by the way) and one of them fell down into the ground. This led to the discovery of the sunken gates.
Regardless of how these very gates will be lifted up once again. It may be an earthquake as the Bible mentions but someway, somehow, God will lift the gates and the Lord will one day enter through them!
Not a pretty thought!
We are living in the time of grace. Now is the time to be saved. Seek salvation while it is available! Jesus will come on a white horse with His angels and His army, the church at the second coming. He came as a shepherd to save us the first time- meek and mild. The next coming will be as a warrior to defeat evil and don’t we need that!
At the end of the tribulation period, the Lord will sit on the throne of David. The environment and longevity will be restored. In fact, the Dead Sea will no longer be dead! Water will flow from out of the Temple both to the Mediterranean Sea and be connected to the Dead Sea healing the waters. The same fish found in the first will be found in the second. Sound amazing? It will be! How do we know? The Bible, 100% accurate today, and tomorrow. The whole Bible, both old and new together. Trustworthy and true!
At the end of the tribulation period, the Lord will sit on the throne of David. The environment and longevity will be restored. In fact, the Dead Sea will no longer be dead!
Water will flow from out of the Temple both to the Mediterranean Sea and be connected to the Dead Sea healing the waters. The same fish found in the first will be found in the second. Sound amazing? It will be! How do we know? The Bible, 100% accurate today, and tomorrow. The whole Bible, both old and new together. Trustworthy and true!
Check out this video about fresh water by the dead sea today!
Visiting The Holy Land – To see the rest of this journey here
- Visiting The Holy Land
- Holy Land Tour: Jerusalem
- Holy Land Tour | Qumran
- Holy Land Tour | En- Gedi
- Holy Land Tour | Masada
- Holy Land Tour | Israel The City of David
- Holy Land Tour | Israel & The Mount of Olives
- The Kidron Valley AKA The Valley of Jehoshaphat (you are here)
- Next Up – Holy Land Tour | Herodian Street, New Discovery, Old Sewers, and Temple Stones
- Holy Land Tour | The Valley Of Jehoshaphat & The Kidron Valley
- Holy Land Tour | David and Goliath
- Holy Land Tour | YAD- Hashmona -Memorial To The Eight
- Holy Land Tour | The Sea of Galilee
- Holy Land Tour | Capharnaum – Jesus’s Headquarters
- Holy Land Tour | The Seven Springs, The Great Catch and the Fishing Boat
Videos:
Debbie lives in Southern California with her husband Doug and her children and grandchildren.
Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version Copyright @ 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Bible links to biblegateway.com
