What is…
Sorek
also known as: Nahal Sorek, Brook of Sorek, Soreq, Wady Surar (“valley of the fertile spot”), Wadi es Surar, Wadi al-Sirar, Wadi es-Sarār, وادي الصرار, and Wad Issarar
Hebrew: נחל שורק —transliteration: Sowreq —meaning: valley of the choice vines; Wady of choice vines
This is the name of a valley, i.e., a torrent-bed (seasonal river), which drains the western Judean hills, and flowing by Makkedah and Jabneel, falls into the sea some eight miles south of Joppa. The area is fertile and well suited for vineyards.
This was the home of the Philistine woman Delilah, whom Samson loved (Judges 16:4). He came to meet her for the first time at Sorek. This is also the place where she later enticed and betrayed him.
Philistine defeats
This is also the area were the Israelites witnessed the strange sight of the Ark of the Covenant being returned by Philistine cows (1 Samuel 6:12), after having been captured and displayed by the Philistines.
Then the men did so and took two milch cows and hitched them to the cart and shut up their calves at home. And they put the ark of Yahweh on the cart, as well as the box with the golden mice and the likenesses of their tumors. And the cows took the straight way in the direction of Beth-shemesh; they went along the highway, lowing as they went, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left. And the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth-shemesh. —1 Samuel 6:10-12 LSB
Some say this may also be the valley where the Philistines were miraculously defeated as described in 1 Samuel 7:5-14.
Great supernatural thunder was sent by God as Samuel was offering up a burnt offering, praying for the defeat of the attacking Philistines. The miraculous thunder confused and routed the Philistine army so that they could be killed by the men of Israel (1 Samuel 7:10-12)
Soreq Cave
also known as: Avshalom Cave
The Nahal Sorek Nature Reserve (established 1965), spans many acres (11000 dunams), from the Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve (aka Sorek/Soreq Cave and the Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve) near Beit Shemesh (Bet Shemesh), to the Israeli village of Nes Harim. This beautiful cave has many stalactites and stalagmites and is reportedly “5,000 meters.” It is said to be “the largest and most beautiful stalactites-stalagmites cave in Israel” and was created in dolomite and limestone rock.
More information
- Beth Shemesh, nearest city
- Valleys of the Bible
- Caves in the Bible
- Who is Delilah?
- Who is Samson?
- What is Joppa?
- Rivers of the Bible
- About the miracles of the Bible, with comprehensive list
- Is it logical to believe that the biblical miracles really happened? Answer
- “Miracles are not possible,” some claim. Is this true? Answer
- Vines
- Grapes
- About wine in the Bible
- Agriculture in the Bible