Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ESDRAELON

(Gk. Esdrēlōn)

The Greek form of the name “Jezreel.” Although the term does not occur in the OT (it is found in the Apocrypha in Jdt.1:8; 3:9; 4:6; 7:3), it is frequently used interchangeably with Jezreel (which does occur in the OT numerous times). Technically, most archaeologists hold that Esdraelon refers to the western section of the valleys and plains that intersect Galilee just N of Mt. Carmel, separating it from Samaria, while the smaller eastern section of this area is known as the valley of Jezreel. Sometimes, however, these names are used for the whole area.

The Great Plain (1 Macc. 12:49) is triangular in shape and includes the plain of Megiddo (Zech. 12:11), stretching along the northern slopes of Mt. Carmel to the plain of En-gammin (modern Jenin) on the south, and northeast to the slopes of Mt. Tabor. Many cities were located within the Plain, the most important being Megiddo. It was a strategic site during OT times and was fortified to guard the Carmel pass. It was controlled by the Canaanites until the time of David (Judg. 1:27) when the Israelites finally gained control. The river Kishon wanders through this rich and fertile valley. As part of the Way of the Sea (Isa. 9:1[MT 8:23]), the plain of Esdraelon included the route that led from the Philistine coast through the pass at Megiddo and on to Damascus. It connected Egypt with the north and thus served as a part of a trade route from the earliest times.

Some of the famous battles here include the Philistines’ defeat of Saul (1 Sam. 31) and Pharaoh Necho’s defeat of Josiah (2 Kgs. 23:29). A single NT reference to this area is found in Rev. 16:16, perhaps suggesting it as the location of an apocalyptic battle.

See Jezreel.

Watson E. Mills

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ESDRAELON

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)