Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Allon-bacuth, translated as "Oak of Weeping," is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name itself reflects the sorrowful events associated with this site. It is a place marked by mourning and remembrance, specifically linked to the death of a revered biblical figure. Biblical Reference: Allon-bacuth is mentioned in the Book of Genesis. The specific reference is found in Genesis 35:8, which states: "Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth." Historical and Cultural Context: The mention of Allon-bacuth occurs during the narrative of Jacob's journey. Deborah, the nurse of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, had been a significant figure in the household, likely serving as a caretaker and confidante. Her death marked a moment of deep personal loss for Jacob and his family, prompting the naming of the site as a memorial to their grief. The oak tree, under which Deborah was buried, served as a natural monument. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, trees often held symbolic significance, representing life, endurance, and a connection to the divine. The oak at Allon-bacuth thus became a poignant symbol of mourning and remembrance. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Allon-bacuth underscores the themes of loss and remembrance within the biblical narrative. It highlights the human experience of grief and the importance of honoring those who have played pivotal roles in one's life. The act of naming the site reflects a practice of memorialization, ensuring that the memory of the deceased endures within the community. The location of Allon-bacuth, near Bethel, also holds spiritual significance. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a place where Jacob had previously encountered God (Genesis 28:19). The proximity of Allon-bacuth to Bethel may suggest a connection between human sorrow and divine presence, offering a space where grief is acknowledged in the context of faith. Geographical Location: While the exact geographical location of Allon-bacuth is not definitively known today, it is described as being near Bethel, a significant site in the central hill country of ancient Israel. Bethel itself is identified with the modern-day location of Beitin, north of Jerusalem. Legacy and Reflection: Allon-bacuth serves as a reminder of the personal and communal aspects of mourning within the biblical tradition. It invites reflection on the ways in which individuals and communities remember and honor those who have passed, integrating their legacies into the ongoing narrative of faith and life. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALLON-BACUTHal'-on-ba'-kuth ('allon bakhuth; the King James Version transliterates Allon-bachuth, al-on-bak'uth, "oak of weeping"): The burial place of Deborah, the nurse of Rebekah (Genesis 35:8); it appears from the narrative that she made her home with Jacob, who had returned from Paddan-aram, and was sojourning at the time at Bethel, in the vicinity of which was the "oak of weeping," under which she was buried. Strong's Hebrew 439. Allon Bakuth -- "oak of weeping," a tree near the grave of ...... oak of weeping," a tree near the grave of Rebekah's nurse. Transliteration: Allon Bakuth Phonetic Spelling: (al-lone' baw-kooth') Short Definition: Allon-bacuth ... /hebrew/439.htm - 6k Thesaurus Allonbacuth... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALLON-BACUTH. al'-on-ba'-kuth ('allon bakhuth; the King James Version transliterates Allon-bachuth ... /a/allonbacuth.htm - 6k Allon-bacuth (1 Occurrence) Al'lon-bacuth (1 Occurrence) Oak (22 Occurrences) Rebekah's (5 Occurrences) Deb'orah (10 Occurrences) Bacuth (1 Occurrence) Beth-el (65 Occurrences) Below (52 Occurrences) Allon-bachuth (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Allon-bacuth (1 Occurrence)Genesis 35:8 Subtopics Related Terms |