King's Dale
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient valley located south of Jerusalem, identified with the biblical Valley of Shaveh.
What is the meaning of King's Dale in the Bible?
Identified as the Valley of Shaveh, this site is recorded in Genesis 14:17 as the location where Abraham met Melchizedek, king of Salem, and is later associated with King David's movements during the Absalom rebellion.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this geography clarifies the spatial context of key patriarchal encounters and royal narratives, illustrating how physical terrain influenced the movement and interactions of biblical figures.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: King's Dale (located near modern Valley of the King (Wadi el-Malik), near Jerusalem) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention King's Dale in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does King's Dale clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 14:17
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"King's Dale." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kings-dale/