He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by storm, and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice that the text doesn't just say Amaziah conquered Sela; it says he took Sela by storm. This vivid language highlights the violent and decisive nature of his victory, a detail often softened when we think of historical battles. Then, he renames it "Joktheel," which means "subdued by God," forcefully asserting that this triumph wasn't just his own achievement but a divine mandate.
He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by storm, and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a period of weakness for Israel, King Amaziah of Judah achieves a significant military victory against Edom, a neighboring enemy. This triumph, detailed in the verses leading up to this one, is presented as a divinely aided success. The verse itself recounts the specific details of this victory and Amaziah's renaming of a conquered city, setting the stage for later accounts of his growing pride and eventual downfall.
King Amaziah wins a massive victory, but the location itself tells a story of God's judgment. What does this place signify?
A Bit of History
The "Valley of Salt" is a real place, likely a dry, desolate region near the Dead Sea.
David's Ancient Victory
King David also had a significant victory here, recorded in 2 Samuel 8:13. It was a time when Israel was asserting dominance over its enemies.
God's Judgment Woven In
This isn't just any battlefield; it's a place associated with judgment and purification. The salt could symbolize a barrenness or a stark reminder of consequence, making Amaziah's victory there a potent symbol of God's dealings with His people and their enemies.
Amaziah renames a conquered city, Joktheel. What does this act of naming reveal about his reign and God's sovereignty?
Power in Naming
In the ancient world, naming something was an act of authority and ownership. By renaming the city Sela to "Joktheel," Amaziah was declaring his conquest and asserting his dominion over it.
"Joktheel" - "Praised by God"
The name "Joktheel" is significant. It means "Praised by God" or "Seized by God." This wasn't just a random label; it was a theological statement.
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A Declaration of Divine Approval?
Amaziah likely intended this name to signify that his victory was not just his own but was sanctioned and brought about by God. It was a public declaration that God had "seized" this city through him. However, as we'll see later in his reign (2 Kings 14:8-14), his heart was not fully devoted to God, and this godly name was ultimately contradicted by his actions.
Amaziah's dramatic victory over Edom, a pivotal moment in his reign, showcases Judah's attempt to restore the kingdom's former glory and control over its surrounding territories.
c. 874–853 BC
Reign of Ahab in Israel
King Ahab's reign in the northern kingdom of Israel was marked by significant conflict and religious turmoil, providing a backdrop for the broader political landscape of the region.
c. 874–825 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat in the southern kingdom of Judah, Edom was under Judah's control, though this relationship was often strained.
c. 800–785 BC
Reign of Joash in Israel
King Joash of Israel engaged in conflicts with neighboring kingdoms, including a significant victory over the Arameans, demonstrating Israel's military resurgence.
c. 798–782 BC— this verse
Reign of Amaziah in Judah
King Amaziah of Judah sought to reassert Judah's dominance over Edom, a long-standing ambition of the Davidic kingdom.
c. 796 BC
Amaziah's Victory Over Edom
King Amaziah of Judah led a successful military campaign against the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, conquering their capital city, Sela, and renaming it Joktheel.
c. 782 BC
Amaziah's Defeat by Jeroboam II
Following his victory over Edom, Amaziah was later defeated by King Jeroboam II of Israel, leading to further political shifts in the region.
This passage also records David's victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, highlighting a repeated theme of God's people overcoming their enemies in that specific location.
Psalm 60:1The superscription to this psalm mentions David's victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, suggesting a significant historical event that was remembered and possibly celebrated through worship.
Jeremiah 48:46This verse contains a prophetic oracle against Moab, but it references the 'sons of noise' (often interpreted as Moabite or Ammonite warriors) and hints at their shame, echoing the sense of national triumph found in 2 Kings 14.
Obadiah 1:10This prophecy against Edom speaks of 'violence done to your brother Jacob,' directly addressing the long-standing conflict between Israel and Edom that King Amaziah's victory in the Valley of Salt represents.
Notice that the text doesn't just say Amaziah conquered Sela; it says he took Sela by storm. This vivid language highlights the violent and decisive nature of his victory, a detail often softened when we think of historical battles. Then, he renames it "Joktheel," which means "subdued by God," forcefully asserting that this triumph wasn't just his own achievement but a divine mandate.
After a period of weakness for Israel, King Amaziah of Judah achieves a significant military victory against Edom, a neighboring enemy. This triumph, detailed in the verses leading up to this one, is presented as a divinely aided success. The verse itself recounts the specific details of this victory and Amaziah's renaming of a conquered city, setting the stage for later accounts of his growing pride and eventual downfall.
After a period of weakness for Israel, King Amaziah of Judah achieves a significant military victory against Edom, a neighboring enemy. This triumph, detailed in the verses leading up to this one, is presented as a divinely aided success. The verse itself recounts the specific details of this victory and Amaziah's renaming of a conquered city, setting the stage for later accounts of his growing pride and eventual downfall.
"He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by storm, and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this day." — Notice that the text doesn't just say Amaziah conquered Sela; it says he took Sela by storm. This vivid language highlights the violent and decisive nature of his victory, a detail often softened…
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Last reviewed October 2026