Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Beth-arabah, meaning "house of the desert" or "house of the plain," is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name reflects its geographical setting, likely situated in a desert or plain area. Biblical References: Beth-arabah is mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the territory of the tribe of Judah and later as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin. 1. Joshua 15:6 · In the delineation of the borders of the tribe of Judah, Beth-arabah is mentioned as one of the cities on the border: "Then the border went up to Beth-hoglah and continued north of Beth-arabah, and the border went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben" . 2. Joshua 15:61 · Beth-arabah is included in the list of cities in the wilderness area allotted to Judah: "In the wilderness: Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah" . 3. Joshua 18:18 · The city is also mentioned in the description of the territory of Benjamin: "Then it went on to the northern slope and went down to Beth-arabah" . Geographical Context: Beth-arabah is located in the Jordan Valley, near the Dead Sea. Its position in the wilderness suggests it was part of a sparsely populated area, characterized by arid conditions. The proximity to the Dead Sea indicates it was likely part of the low-lying regions of the Jordan Rift Valley. Historical and Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence for Beth-arabah is limited, its mention in the tribal allotments suggests it was a recognized settlement during the time of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Canaan. The city’s inclusion in both Judah and Benjamin's territories may indicate its strategic or economic significance, possibly serving as a waypoint or a center for trade and communication in the region. Theological Significance: Beth-arabah's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the detailed nature of the tribal allotments and the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham. Each city and region mentioned in these allotments serves as a testament to the historical and covenantal faithfulness of God to His people. The precise recording of these locations reflects the importance of land inheritance in Israel's identity and God's unfolding plan for His chosen people. Cultural and Religious Context: In the broader cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, cities like Beth-arabah played a role in the daily life and spiritual identity of the tribes. The land was not only a physical inheritance but also a spiritual one, symbolizing God's provision and the establishment of a nation set apart for His purposes. The mention of Beth-arabah in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of geography, history, and theology in the biblical narrative. Easton's Bible Dictionary House of the desert, one of the six cities of Judah, situated in the sunk valley of the Jordan and Dead Sea (Joshua 18:22). In Joshua 15:61 it is said to have been "in the wilderness." It was afterwards included in the towns of Benjamin. It is called Arabah (Joshua 18:18). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-ARABAHbeth-ar'-a-ba (beth ha-`arabhah; Baitharaba, "place of the Arabah"): Strong's Hebrew 1026. Beth Haarabah -- "place of the depression," a place near the ...... "place of the depression," a place near the Dead Sea. Transliteration: Beth Haarabah Phonetic Spelling: (bayth haw-ar-aw-baw) Short Definition: Beth-arabah. ... /hebrew/1026.htm - 6k 6164. Arbathi -- inhab. of Arabah Thesaurus Betharabah (3 Occurrences)... "The wilderness of Judah" is the barren land West of the Dead Sea. Beth-arabah is not yet identified. ... Multi-Version Concordance Betharabah (3 Occurrences). ... /b/betharabah.htm - 8k Beth-arabah (4 Occurrences) Beth (115 Occurrences) Zemaraim (2 Occurrences) Arabah (32 Occurrences) Zemara'im (2 Occurrences) Emekkeziz Emek-keziz (1 Occurrence) Middin (1 Occurrence) Passes (74 Occurrences) Resources What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beth-arabah (4 Occurrences)Joshua 15:6 Joshua 15:61 Joshua 18:18 Joshua 18:22 Subtopics Beth-Arabah: A City in the Valley of the Dead Sea Related Terms |
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