Topical Encyclopedia Beth-da'gon is a name that appears in the Old Testament, referring to locations associated with the worship of the Philistine deity Dagon. The name itself means "house of Dagon," indicating a place dedicated to this god, who was often depicted as a fish or fish-man, symbolizing fertility and grain.1. Location in Judah: The first mention of Beth-da'gon is found in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 15:41, Beth-da'gon is listed among the towns in the territory of Judah: "Gederoth, Beth-dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities, along with their villages." This reference places Beth-da'gon in the lowland region of Judah, an area characterized by its agricultural productivity, which aligns with the fertility aspects of the god Dagon. 2. Location in Asher: Another mention of Beth-da'gon is found in the territory of the tribe of Asher. Joshua 19:27 describes the boundary of Asher's inheritance: "Then it turned toward the sunrise to Beth-dagon, reached Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, and continued to Cabul on the left." This Beth-da'gon is situated in the northern part of Israel, near the border with the tribe of Zebulun. 3. Cultural and Religious Significance: The presence of places named Beth-da'gon in Israelite territory highlights the cultural and religious interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors. The Philistines, who were known for their worship of Dagon, had significant influence in the region, and the existence of these sites suggests that the worship of Dagon may have been prevalent or at least recognized in these areas. The Israelites, however, were commanded to worship Yahweh alone, and the presence of such sites would have been a point of religious tension. 4. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Beth-da'gon has not been conclusively found, the general regions mentioned in the biblical text have been subject to archaeological study. These studies provide insights into the cultural and religious practices of the time, including the influence of Philistine culture on the Israelites. 5. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the mention of Beth-da'gon serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal faithfulness amidst surrounding pagan influences. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the need for the Israelites to reject idolatry and remain devoted to the worship of Yahweh, as seen in numerous prophetic warnings and historical accounts. In summary, Beth-da'gon represents both a geographical and spiritual point of interest within the biblical narrative, illustrating the complex interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors, as well as the ongoing struggle to uphold the worship of the one true God in the face of external influences. Concordance Beth-da'gon (1 Occurrence)Joshua 15:41 Thesaurus Beth-da'gon (1 Occurrence)Beth-da'gon. Beth-dagon, Beth-da'gon. Bethdiblathaim . Multi-Version Concordance Beth-da'gon (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:41 and Gederoth ... /b/beth-da'gon.htm - 6k Beth-dagon (2 Occurrences) Beth-dagan Bethdagon (2 Occurrences) Bethdiblathaim (1 Occurrence) Bethdagan Resources Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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