Lexical Summary Tsarethan: Zarethan Original Word: צֱרְתָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zarthan Perhaps for Tsredah; Tsarethan, a place in Palestine -- Zarthan. see HEBREW Tsredah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city in the Jordan Valley NASB Translation Zarethan (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs צָֽרְתָן proper name, of a location in Jordan valley, near ford, BuhlGeogr. 181; exact site known; Joshua 3:16 (Καθιαιρειν, ᵐ5 of L Καριαθιαρειμ), 1 Kings 7:46 (Σειρα, ᵐ5 of L Σαρθαν) = צְרֵדָ֫תָה2Chronicles 4:17 (Αναμε [i.e. ἀνὰ μέσον] σιρδαθαι; Σα(ρι)δαθα; is Chronicles right?); צָֽרְחַ֫נָה 1 Kings 4:12 (Σεσαθαν, ᵐ5 of L Σαρθαν) — compare צְרֵרָתָה Judges 7:22, apparently same place; identity with צְרֵדָה 1 Kings 11:26 is usually assumed, but not proven.Topical Lexicon Geographic SettingZerethan is located in the central Jordan Valley, on the west bank of the Jordan River, opposite Succoth. The setting is characterized by fertile alluvial plains and abundant clay deposits, making it an ideal site for both agriculture and large–scale metal casting. Its proximity to major north–south and east–west routes placed it at a crossroads for military movements, administrative oversight, and economic exchange throughout Israel’s formative periods. Occurrence in the Conquest Era (Joshua 3:16) During Israel’s entry into the land, Zerethan serves as a landmark for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan. “The waters that were flowing down from upstream stood still and rose up in one mass a great distance away at Adam, the city beside Zarethan” (Joshua 3:16). The town thus becomes a silent witness to the Lord’s sovereign power in stopping the river and granting Israel immediate access to Canaan. Zerethan’s mention underscores the historical reliability of the event by anchoring it to a known settlement, strengthening faith in the veracity of the conquest narratives. Role in the Administration of Solomon (1 Kings 4:12) Under King Solomon, Zerethan lay within one of the twelve administrative districts tasked with providing provisions for the royal court. The territory of Baana son of Ahilud included “all Beth–shan near Zarethan below Jezreel” (1 Kings 4:12). Zerethan’s inclusion in this district shows its agricultural productivity and strategic importance. The region’s resources contributed directly to the stability of Solomon’s reign and the flourishing of Israel’s united monarchy. Manufacturing Center for Temple Furnishings (1 Kings 7:46) Zerethan reaches its greatest prominence when Solomon casts the bronze vessels for the temple: “He cast them in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan” (1 Kings 7:46). The abundant clay of the Jordan Valley provided natural molds, and the river supplied water for cooling and transport. By situating the foundry here, Solomon harnessed local resources while keeping the smoke and noise away from Jerusalem. Zerethan thus played a direct role in constructing the temple, a central symbol of covenant worship, linking the town forever to Israel’s spiritual heritage. Archaeological and Historical Identification Most scholars associate Zerethan with the tell at Zarethan/Tel es–Saidiyeh or nearby sites such as Tell Deir ‘Alla. Pottery, metallurgical debris, and Egyptian scarabs from the Late Bronze and Iron Ages corroborate prolonged occupation and industrial activity. While exact identification remains debated, evidence consistently points to a settlement capable of large–scale casting—precisely what the biblical text records. Theological and Devotional Insights 1. Manifest Power: The Jordan’s halting beside Zerethan highlights God’s authority over creation and His faithfulness to fulfill promises (Joshua 3). Lessons for Ministry Today • Strategic Positioning: Churches and ministries, like Zerethan, may find their greatest usefulness through leveraging local resources for kingdom purposes. Zerethan’s brief biblical appearances weave together conquest, administration, and worship, testifying that every place and vocation can become a stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations צָֽרְתָ֔ן צָרְתַ֜נָה צָרְתָֽן׃ צרתן צרתן׃ צרתנה ṣā·rə·ṯa·nāh ṣā·rə·ṯān ṣārəṯān ṣārəṯanāh tzareTan tzareTanahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 3:16 HEB: אֲשֶׁר֙ מִצַּ֣ד צָֽרְתָ֔ן וְהַיֹּרְדִ֗ים עַ֣ל NAS: that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down KJV: that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down INT: is beside Zarethan down toward 1 Kings 4:12 1 Kings 7:46 3 Occurrences |
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