Kidron

KIDRON, the Brook Kidron, which was in a Valley Eastward of Jerusalem, between the City and the Mount of Olives, and discharged itself into the Dead Sea. It is generally not much filled with Water, and oftentimes has none at all in it. But upon Storms or great Rains it swells exceedingly, and runs with great Impetuosity. Some are of Opinion, that the Name of Cedron or Kidron came from the Abundance of Cedars which they say were formerly planted upon its Banks. But there is no Proof of this Fact; and the Name of Kidron is deriv’d rather from the Obscurity of this Brook, which runs in a deep Vale, and was formerly overshadowed קדרוןà קדר Obtenebratus fuit.with many Trees; or from the common Sewers of the City which empty themselves into it. Josephus declines always Kidron, Kidronos, Kidroni. The Valley of Kidron, particularly the Southern Part of it, קדרוןAb Arabico קדרspurcus fuit.was as it were the Sink of Jerusalem. The Kings Asa, and Hezekiah, and Josiah burnt there the Idols and Abominations, which 1 Kings xv. 13.were made Use of chiefly by the Apostate 2 Chr. xxix. 16.Jews in their Worship.

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