‘All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea’, Gen. 14. 3

‘All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea’, Gen. 14. 3

The salt sea, perhaps better known as the Dead Sea, is a landlocked lake between Israel and Jordan, the lowest body of water in the world, lying some 1,300-1,400 feet (400 metres) below sea level. It is situated between the hills of Judea in the west and Jordan in the east and measures approximately fifty miles by eleven miles. The main inflow of water to the salt sea is from the River Jordan.

The waters of the Dead Sea are extremely salty, but also rich in sulphates, bicarbonates, magnesium, and potassium. Because of the high density of saline, the water keeps bathers buoyant but also excludes all forms of life except bacteria and plants that can grow in alkaline soil.

Starting from our text, the sea features in many biblical accounts from Abraham, to David, and into New Testament times. The context is one of warfare between Chedorlaomer, and the kings that allied with him, and various peoples who rebelled against his rule. Into that fray the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela entered in the vale of Siddim, but it ended in defeat and the capture of ‘Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom’, Gen. 14. 12.

Much might be said of the sad and downward route taken by Lot. His visual assessment of the well-watered plain of the Jordan, his choice, the pitching of his tent toward Sodom, and his eventual position of influence in that city are a reminder of where submission to the lusts of the flesh will take us. What appeared so good became a place of bitterness, frustration, and vexation.

For Abraham, his portion was the fellowship and blessing of Melchizedek. May we seek and enjoy the fellowship of one who is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.