VALE, VALLEY. The numerous Heb. terms tr. in this way fall readily into two distinct categories, and in doing so reflect clearly the structure and surface of the Bible lands. (1) עֵ֫מֶק, H6677, a depression, or בִּקְעָה, H1326, split, indicate a broad vale or lowland, possibly a dozen m. in breadth; (2) נַ֫חַל֒, H5707, or גַּיְא, H1628, indicate a steep sided valley, i.e., gorge. In Pal. the terms in the first category apply primarily to structural features such as the Plain of Esdraelon and the rift valley of Jordan; thus we have “the plain, that is, the valley (biq’âh) of Jericho” (Deut 34:3) at a point where the rift valley is some twelve m. wide. The words in the second category describe valley features which are the result of streams cutting down into the limestones and sandstones of Pal. in a dry climate, creating a highly dissected landscape, and in some area producing a “badland” topography. Such gorges represent serious obstacles to movement and played a prominent part in the military operations of Biblical times. (Cf. Josh 8:11; 1 Sam 17:3.)

Since Israel in OT times was essentially a mountain dwelling people, their view of the lowlands which surrounded them (and which were largely occupied by their enemies) was naturally colored by this fact. Consequently, the term “The Valley” was reserved by them for a specific region, lying between the mountains of Judaea and the Mediterranean. This was שְׁפֵלָה, H9169, “depressed” or “sunken,” identified by the name of Shephelah in modern geographies and in RSV. (See also Palestine.) It is, curiously, not a valley at all, but a kind of piedmont zone of low hills lying between the coastal plain proper and the Judaean hills, and separated from the latter by a narrow (true) valley. In Deuteronomy 1:7; Joshua 10:40; and 1 Kings 10:27, this is the “vale” or “valley” referred to.

It is of interest to note that, in modern Israel, the unqualified term “The Valley” is also used, but nowadays it is in reference to the Plain of Esdraelon rather than the historic Shephelah.