Bible Dictionary
BERACAH, VALLEY OF
The Valley of Beracah was the place where Jehoshaphat and Judah assembled after their victory over Moab and Ammon. Its name means “valley of blessing,” because the people blessed the Lord there.
Definition
The Valley of Beracah, meaning “valley of blessing,” was the place where Jehoshaphat and his people assembled after victory over Moab and Ammon.
Biblical Usage
The people blessed Yahweh in the valley after their victory, and this act gave the place its name.
Historical Background
The valley has been associated with the Wady Arrub, near Tekoa on the main road from Hebron to Jerusalem. A nearby ruin is called Breikut.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be-ra'-ka, ber'-a-ka (the King James Version Berachah; `emeq berkhah; koilas eulogias): After the victory of Jehoshaphat and his people over Moab and Ammon, "On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah (i.e. of blessing) unto this day" (2Ch 20:26). In the Wady `Arrub there is a ruin called Breikut and the valley in its proximity receives the same name. This is on the main road from Hebron to Jerusalem and not far from Tekoa; it suits the narrative well (see PEF, III, 352).</p><p>E. W. G. Masterman</p>