Kidron Valley
East of Jerusalem the Kidron Valley lies between the city and the Mount of Olives, serving as a significant passage in several pivotal biblical events. David crossed it in grief while fleeing Absalom's uprising and bearing the ark away from the throne. Josiah later cast the remnants of pagan idols into its brook to cleanse the land. Jesus passed through this valley on the eve of his arrest, moving toward the garden of suffering and linking the site to the path of redemption.
Details
- Region
- Judea
- Modern Location
- East of Jerusalem's Old City, Israel
Key Passages
David Flees Absalom
2 Samuel 15:23
David and his household cross the brook Kidron while fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion.
23nd all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
Josiah Destroys Idols
2 Kings 23:6
King Josiah burns the Asherah pole and casts its dust upon the graves in the Kidron Valley.
6nd he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.
Jesus Crosses Before Arrest
John 18:1
Jesus and his disciples cross the brook Cedron (Kidron) on the way to Gethsemane.
1hen Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.