Lexical Summary Beth-tsur: Beth-zur Original Word: בֵּית צוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Beth-zur From bayith and tsuwr; house of (the) rock; Beth-Tsur, a place in Palestine -- Beth-zur. see HEBREW bayith see HEBREW tsuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bayith and tsur Definition "house of a rock," a place in Judah NASB Translation Beth-zur (3), Bethzur (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֵּיתצֿוּר proper name, of a location in Judah (house of rock) Joshua 15:58; 2Chronicles 11:7; Nehemiah 3:16; as proper name, masculine 1 Chronicles 2:45; — modern Beit ‚ûr, approximately 12 miles south from Jerusalem RobBR iii. 276 f. Surveyiii. 311 BdPal 138 (Burj ‚ûr). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Implications Beth Zur, “House of Rock,” evokes imagery of strength, stability, and refuge. The name itself calls to mind repeated biblical metaphors that portray the LORD as a rock and fortress (for example, Psalm 18:2; Psalm 31:3). Thus, every mention of Beth Zur subtly reinforces God’s covenantal promise to be the sure defense of His people. Location and Archaeological Background The site is generally identified with Khirbet Beit Sur (Tel Beit Tzur), about six kilometers north of Hebron on the central ridge-road of Judah. Its elevation (over 1,000 meters above sea level) commands the main approach from the coastal plain up to Hebron and Bethlehem. Excavations have revealed fortification lines from Early Bronze through Hellenistic periods, water systems cut into bedrock, and store-rooms datable to the Iron Age. Pottery, seal impressions, and coins point to sustained occupation through the Hasmonean era, corroborating its strategic value in biblical and post-biblical times. Biblical Occurrences 1. Joshua 15:58 places Beth Zur among the highland towns allotted to Judah: “Halhul, Beth Zur, and Gedor”. The list underscores its importance in the tribal inheritance, marking the northern boundary of the Hebron district. Historical Highlights Beyond the Old Testament • During the Maccabean struggle (Second century B.C.), Beth Zur became a fortress contested by Seleucid and Jewish forces. Judas Maccabeus captured and strengthened it (1 Maccabees 4:28-61), and subsequently it served as a bulwark protecting the route to Jerusalem. Theological and Ministry Themes 1. Divine Security: Each textual appearance of Beth Zur is linked to defense—tribal allotment securing inheritance, fortress building under Rehoboam, and wall restoration under Nehemiah. The theme mirrors God’s promise to be Israel’s shield (Genesis 15:1). Practical Application for Believers • Build on the Rock: Just as Beth Zur’s prominence derived from its rocky heights, so the believer’s life must stand on obedience to Christ’s teaching (Matthew 7:24-25). Summary Beth Zur’s four Old-Testament references trace a trajectory from allotment to genealogical memory, royal fortification, and post-exilic administration. Strategically perched on Judah’s spine, it protected lines of communication, safeguarded worship in Jerusalem, and symbolized steadfastness amid change. As “House of Rock,” the site embodies the firmness, faithfulness, and forward-looking hope that characterize God’s redemptive plan, inviting every generation to find shelter and strength in the Rock of Ages. Forms and Transliterations צ֑וּר צ֖וּר צ֥וּר צֽוּר׃ צור צור׃ ṣūr tzurLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:58 HEB: חַלְח֥וּל בֵּֽית־ צ֖וּר וּגְדֽוֹר׃ NAS: Halhul, Beth-zur and Gedor, KJV: Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor, INT: Halhul Beth-zur and Gedor 1 Chronicles 2:45 2 Chronicles 11:7 Nehemiah 3:16 |
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