Salem (Bible)

Salem (Hebrew שָׁלֵם, Shalem, Greek Σαλήμ) is an ancient, Middle Eastern town mentioned in the Bible.

Salem is referenced in the following biblical passages:

• "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." (Genesis 14:18)
• "In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion." (Psalm 76:2)

This refers to the royal city of Melchizedek and is traditionally identified with Jerusalem.^[1] It is also mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 7.

Possibly a different place is mentioned in Genesis 33:18, "And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city." The town of Salim corresponds to this location. It is also mentioned in the Gospel of John 3:23: "And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim [Σαλείμ], because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."

Based on Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the ancient city of Salem and its inhabitants were taken into heaven, or "translated," in the same manner as the City of Enoch.^[2]

Various towns have been named after Biblical Salem.

References