VALLEY/BOTTOMS OF THE MOUNTAINS

Definition:

A place under the earth, underneath (seemingly as the bottom level of the heavens) (also see “The Sea, Pit, and Water“).

Scripture:

• One of the words for “hell” in the Bible is the word “Gehenna.” Literally translated it means “Valley of Lamentation.” So sometimes, when you’re reading the word “hell” translated in your Bible, you’re actually reading the term “Valley of Lamentation.”

Matthew 5:22 (KJV) …whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell [Valley of Lamentation] fire. 

• The sea refers to the underworld/hell (see definition for “Sea”). Jonah was cast into the sea, as a picture of Jesus, who was cast into hell when He died (Eph. 4:9, 1 Pet. 4:6). Jonah prophesies, playing the symbolic role of Jesus in hell. Jonah says he went down to “the belly of hell,” “the sea,” and “to the deep” (words for hell). Then he says he went down to the “bottoms of the mountains” (AKA a valley)— using this term for hell.

• Also, when Jonah is cast into the sea, as a picture of Jesus, he implies he is going under the earth, by saying that “the earth with her bars” were around him, further confirming that he is referring to the underworld/hell.

Jonah 2:2-6 (KJV) And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hellcried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.

• This is much more involved than can be explained here, but as a symbol of how the church will manifest the Holy Spirit in the new earth, Ezekiel sees a vision of water (the Holy Spirit) issuing forth from the temple (the church), and going down to “the sea” (the underworld). Joel prophesies the same thing, except instead of saying “the sea,” he says that a fountain will go down to water “the valley.” So “the sea” and “the valley” are used interchangeable for the same event.

Ezekiel 47:1, 8 (KJV) Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward… VERSE 8) These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea…

Joel 3:18 (KJV) …and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

• The Lord uses the word “valley” interchangeable with “the graves.”

Ezekiel 37:2 (KJV) And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. VERSE 12) Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves [previously saying “open valley”], and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

• The Lord mentions His anger burning to the lowest hell, consuming the earth, and setting on fire “the foundations of the mountains” (AKA a valley).

Deuteronomy 32:22 (KJV) For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

• There is far more to say about this, but Achan and his family were stoned and burnt, after Israel takes control of the city (because “the cursed thing” was found under his tent). This is a picture of how certain unbelievers will be judged, after believers take control of the earth, after Jesus comes back. Notice that Achan and his family are burned with fire in “the valley.” Showing symbolically that “the valley” is a place of fire, in which certain people will be judged.

Joshua 7:24, 25 (KJV) And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah… and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor [valley of trouble]… And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.

• Interesting that end-time judgment is said to happen in the “valley of decision.” 

Joel 3:14 (KJV) Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.