1)

What exactly is "Emek ha'Sidim"?

1.

Rashi and Targum Onkelus: A valley comprising many fields (or orchards - Targum Yonasan).

2)

If it was a fertile valley, how can the Pasuk refer to it as "the Yam ha'Melach"?

1.

Rashi #1: At a later date, the Yam ha'Melach flowed into it. 1

2.

Rashi #2 (citing the Midrash): Surrounding rocks split up and canals flowed from them into the erstwhile valley. 2

3.

Targum Onkelus: It is the current location of the Yam ha'Melach, which was destined to form after the destruction of Sedom and Amora.


1

Though this itself, is unclear.

2

Gur Aryeh: Rashi adds this explanation because the words "Hu Yam ha'Melach" imply that the area itself became Yam ha'Melach.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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