Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat)

City:

Jerusalem

State, Province, Region, or District:

Jerusalem District

Country:

Israel

Overview

The Kidron Valley, also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, serves as a natural division between Jerusalem's Temple Mount and the Old City from the Mount of Olives. Historically, it was a deep ravine that directed a seasonal stream and acted as a defensive boundary for the original City of David. Additionally, it provided an escape route to the wilderness for King David during his flight from his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23). Josiah, a godly king, had false god idols thrown into this valley and burned.

Jesus often traversed the Kidron on his way to the village of Bethany, his favorite place of rest and refuge. His Triumphal Entry path crossed this valley. After the Last Supper, He crossed the valley with His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. Then, after He was betrayed and arrested, He was brought back the same way to the house of the high priest. By the light of the Passover moon, the whitewashed tombs cut into the valley’s rock-face would have provided a stark reminder to Jesus that on the following day his own body would be laid in a tomb.

There are three incredible monuments and tombs in this valley called Absalom’s Tomb or Pillar, the Tomb of Benei Hezir, and the Tomb of Zechariah.

Since the 4th century, an identification of the Kidron with the Valley of Jehoshaphat (a name meaning “Yahweh shall judge”) mentioned in the book of Joel (3:2,12) has led to the belief that it will be the place of final judgment. According to Revelation 14:20, it is in this valley where God will judge the nations at the end of the Great Tribulation Period, and the blood will flow up to the horses' bridles. The valley is called the Winepress of God's wrath.

The valley is a sacred ravine of tears, judgment, and redemption. It's a must-see site in Jerusalem.

Alternate Names

Kidron Valley; Valley of Jehoshaphat; Kings Valley; "The Shadow of Death"; Valley of Cedron (or Cedron Brook) / Qidron (transliteration of the Hebrew name meaning "dark" or "murky"); Wadi Sitti Maryam (the local Arabic designation for the upper section near Jerusalem, meaning the Valley of Saint Mary)

Geography & Location

The Kidron Valley, also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, lies between the Old City of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives.

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

To understand the history of Jerusalem, one must first understand its geography. Built on a rugged limestone ridge in the Judean mountains, ancient Jerusalem relied heavily on its natural surroundings for survival. The Kidron Valley forms the city's definitive eastern boundary, physically separating the original City of David and the Temple Mount from the towering Mount of Olives to the east.

Architecture

The architecture of the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem is defined by monumental, rock-cut Second Temple-period tombs. These structures merge Hebrew, Greek Hellenistic, and Egyptian design elements. Master stonemasons carved these monoliths directly out of the native limestone cliffs rather than building them up from individual stones.

Biblical & Historical References

King David crosses the Kidron Valley on foot while fleeing from his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23).

Spiritual Lessons and Application

King David walked across the Kidron Valley barefoot and weeping when betrayed by his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23). Centuries later, Jesus crossed the exact same ravine toward Gethsemane on the night of His betrayal (John 18:1).

Etymology

"Kidron Valley" (Hebrew: Naḥal Qidron) comes from the Semitic root kdr, which means "dark," "dusky," or "gloomy". This refers to the deep, shaded, and shadowed nature of the ravine located on the east side of Jerusalem.

Planning a Visit

Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.