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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Salem
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("peace".) The oldest name, Jehus the next, Jerusalem ("seeing", or "the foundation of peace") the latest, of Jerusalem. The cities of the plain were probably S. of the Dead Sea; so Salem is Jerusalem, and "the king's dale" the valley of the Kedron. The theory of their being N. of the Dead Sea is what necessitates its upholders to seek Salem far north of Jerusalem (-18). But no king of Salem distinct from Jerusalem is mentioned among the kings conquered by Joshua. Moreover, Adonizedek ("lord of righteousness") king of Jerusalem () was plainly successor of Melchizedek ("king of righteousness"), it was the common title of the Jebusite kings. Further, "the king's dale" (), identified in with Shaveh, is placed by Josephus and by tradition (the targum of Onkelos) near Jerusalem (-2). Lastly, Psalm 76 identifies Salem with Jerusalem.