Salem in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is Salem?
SA'LEM
(peace), the place of which Melchizedek was king Gen 14:18; Heb 7:1-2. This word is only used elsewhere in Ps 76:2. Some would interpret it, in the first two passages, not as signifying a place, but that Melchizedek was "king of peace." The majority understand it to mean a place, and it is usually interpreted as referring to Jerusalem. Thus Josephus understood it. The name "Jireh," from Gen 22:14, was supposed to have been added to "Salem" to form "Jerusalem," but this is uncertain. Jerome made the Salem of Gen 14:18 and the Shalem of Gen 33:18 identical, and fixed it 6 miles from Scythopolis, while Van de Velde discovered the name in that neighborhood; but if such a Salem existed, it cannot be proved to be the town of Melchizedek. There might be an identity between Salem and Salim. See Salim.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'salem' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Schaff's

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