Five Hebrew terms are designated “valley” in the Old Testament. Bikeah is a broad plain ( Genesis 11:2; Isaiah 41:8 ). Gaye is a deep ravine, gorge, or valley (Isaiah 40:4; Zechariah 14:4 ). Nahal is a wadi, that is the bed of a stream which is often dry ( Numbers 34:5; Psalm 124:4; Ezekiel 48:28 ). Emech is a long, broad sweep between parallel ranges of hills ( Numbers 14:25; Joshua 8:13; Jeremiah 21:13 ). Shephelah is the low land, plain, or slope sweeping gently down from mountains ( Deuteronomy 10:1; Joshua 9:1; Jeremiah 17:26 ). One Greek term, pharanx , is used in the New Testament for each of these.
Valley is often used symbolically to refer to the difficulties of life. The classic example of this is Psalm 23:4 . All people go through these trials, but God is present with His people, protecting them during these times. See Palestine .
Bradley S. Butler
The product of over 6 years of work by hundreds of people, the Holman Bible Dictionary manages to be readable and easy to use, yet take advantage of the finest modern Bible scholarship without heavy technical language. The over 6,600 entries includes extensive cross-referencing of related articles, and quotes from 6 different Bible translations.Wikipedia
Read More