Betah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the context of King David's military conquests. It is referenced in 2 Samuel 8:8, where it is listed among the territories from which David acquired a significant amount of bronze. The Berean Standard Bible states: "From Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze."

Historical and Geographical Context

Betah is identified as one of the cities belonging to Hadadezer, the king of Zobah. Zobah was a Syrian kingdom located to the north of Israel, and it played a significant role in the regional politics during the time of David. The exact location of Betah is not definitively known today, but it is generally considered to have been situated in the region of Aram, which corresponds to parts of modern-day Syria.

Biblical Significance

The mention of Betah in the biblical narrative highlights the extent of David's military campaigns and his success in subduing neighboring kingdoms. The acquisition of bronze from Betah and other cities underlines the wealth and resources that David accumulated, which were later used in the construction of the Temple by his son Solomon. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding the establishment and expansion of his kingdom.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the conquest of Betah and the surrounding regions can be seen as part of God's providential plan for Israel. David's victories over foreign powers are often interpreted as divine endorsement of his kingship and a demonstration of God's favor towards Israel. The spoils of war, including the bronze from Betah, were ultimately dedicated to the service of God, symbolizing the integration of worldly resources into the worship and glorification of the Lord.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights

While Betah itself has not been conclusively identified in archaeological records, the broader region of Zobah has been the subject of various studies. These investigations provide insights into the cultural and political landscape of the ancient Near East during the time of David. The mention of Betah in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the complex dynamics that shaped the history of Israel and its neighbors.

In summary, Betah is a testament to the historical and spiritual legacy of King David's reign, illustrating the interplay between divine providence and human agency in the biblical narrative.Betah

confidence

Betah

(confidence), a city belonging to Hadadezer king of Zobah, mentioned with Berothai. (2 Samuel 8:8) In the parallel account, (1 Chronicles 18:8) the name is called Tibhath.

Confidence, a city belonging to Hadadezer, king of Zobah, which yielded much spoil of brass to David (2 Samuel 8:8). In 1 Chronicles 18:8 it is called Tibhath. BETAH

be'-ta (2 Samuel 8:8).

See TIBHATH.

984. Betach -- a place in Aram (Syria)
... 983, 984. Betach. 985 . a place in Aram (Syria). Transliteration: Betach
Phonetic Spelling: (beh'takh) Short Definition: Betah. ... Betah. ...
/hebrew/984.htm - 6k

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... the Hebrews, he was assisted by God, who gave him great success in his wars, and
he made all expedition against the best cities of Hadadezer, Betah and Machen ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Betah (1 Occurrence)
... Tibhath. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BETAH. be'-ta (2 Samuel 8:8). See
TIBHATH. Multi-Version Concordance Betah (1 Occurrence). 2 ...
/b/betah.htm - 7k

Quantity (18 Occurrences)
... brethren. (DBY NIV). 2 Samuel 8:8 From Betah and from Berothai, cities of
Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. (See NIV). ...
/q/quantity.htm - 13k

Bestride (1 Occurrence)

/b/bestride.htm - 6k

Berothai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Berothai (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 8:8 From Betah and from
Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. ...
/b/berothai.htm - 8k

Betake (1 Occurrence)

/b/betake.htm - 6k

Bero'thai (1 Occurrence)
... Bero'thai (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 8:8 And from Betah and from Berothai, cities
of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. (See RSV). ...
/b/bero'thai.htm - 6k

Hadadezer (18 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 2 Samuel 8:8 From Betah and from Berothai,
cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. ...
/h/hadadezer.htm - 15k

Hadade'zer (18 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem. (See RSV). 2 Samuel 8:8 And from Betah and from Berothai, cities
of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. (See RSV). ...
/h/hadade'zer.htm - 11k

Amount (66 Occurrences)
... Judah. (See NIV). 2 Samuel 8:8 From Betah and from Berothai, cities of
Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. (See NAS). ...
/a/amount.htm - 27k

Exceeding (101 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV). 2 Samuel 8:8 From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer,
king David took exceeding much brass. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY). ...
/e/exceeding.htm - 37k

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