GAD*, Valley of

Translation of a Hebrew phrase in 2 Samuel 24:5, meaning literally “the river or streambed of Gad.” It is rendered “in the midst of the river of Gad” (kjv), “in the middle of the valley, toward Gad” (rsv), “the valley of Gad” (asv) and “in the direction of Gad” (nlt). The valley of Gad was the beginning point for David’s census, and the “river” or “valley” is undoubtedly the Arnon.