Bible Dictionary
ZIZ, ASCENT OF
The Ascent of Ziz was a pass in the wilderness of Judah leading from En-gedi toward the highlands. It was the route by which the invading forces approached Judah in the days of Jehoshaphat.
Definition
The Ascent of Ziz was a pass in the wilderness of Judah leading from Hazazon-tamar, or En-gedi, toward the highlands and Jerusalem.
Biblical Usage
The ascent was the route by which the invading forces approached Judah in the days of Jehoshaphat, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:16.
Historical Background
It is generally identified with Wady Chacaca, the valley followed by the ancient road from En-gedi toward Jerusalem. The actual ascent may have been the steep pass from En-gedi to the plateau above.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ziz (ma`aleh ha-tsits; Hasae, Hasisa): A pass in the wilderness of Judea (2Ch 20:16) leading from Hazazon-tamar (En-gedi, 2Ch 20:2). This is generally identified with Wady Chacaca, a valley by which the ancient road from En-gedi runs toward Jerusalem. At any rate, an echo of the ancient name survives here: possibly the actual ascent was the present steep pass from En-gedi to the plateau above. See PEF, Sh XXI.</p>