Ancient Versions and Enigmatic Valleys Mēšār and Vallis as Equivalents for 'ēlōn and the “Valley of Hebron”

This paper concerns the rendering of Hebrew “terebinth” as “valley,” and the mention of a “valley” near Hebron in a plus. In the Targums, the Vulgate and Aquila the “terebinths” of Moreh and Mamre (Gen 12:6; 18:1; Deut 11:30) are represented by a term meaning “valley.” According to the standard analysis this rendering avoids the association of these precincts with non-monotheistic cults. However, this theory fails to explain the use of the term “valley.” Midrashic comments point to anti-Samaritan polemics, based on Deut 11:30, where “terebinth” and “plain,” Arabah, meet. Furthermore, a plus of the Septuagint and the Samaritan mentions “the valley of Hebron” (Gen 23:2; cf. the gloss, 37:14). These constellations are related to a particular sensitivity for the status of the Mamre region in the Persian era and beyond as it belongs to Idumaea, and its religious practice includes non-monotheistic cults.