Beth-ezel is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Micah. The name "Beth-ezel" translates to "house of nearness" or "house of separation," which may reflect its geographical or spiritual significance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Reference:

Beth-ezel is referenced in Micah 1:11, where the prophet Micah delivers a series of oracles against various towns in Judah as part of his broader message of judgment and impending disaster due to the people's sins. The verse reads: "Pass on, O inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame; the inhabitant of Zaanan does not go out. Beth-ezel mourns; its support is taken from you" (Micah 1:11).

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Beth-ezel is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible outside of Micah's prophecy. However, it is generally considered to be situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, which was a strategic area during the time of the divided monarchy. This region was often a battleground due to its proximity to the Philistine territories and its fertile land.

Theological Significance:

In the context of Micah's prophecy, Beth-ezel's mention serves as part of a larger lament over the cities of Judah. The prophet uses a play on words and the meanings of the towns' names to convey the severity of the coming judgment. The mourning of Beth-ezel and the loss of its support symbolize the broader theme of divine retribution and the withdrawal of God's protection due to the people's unfaithfulness.

The mention of Beth-ezel highlights the interconnectedness of the communities in Judah and the collective impact of sin and judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of repentance and faithfulness.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:

The use of wordplay and the naming of towns in Micah 1 is a literary device that emphasizes the prophetic message. Each town's name carries a meaning that reflects its fate or the nature of the judgment pronounced upon it. This technique would have resonated with the original audience, who would have been familiar with the geography and the significance of these locations.

Beth-ezel, as part of this prophetic lament, underscores the broader narrative of the prophets, who called the people of Israel and Judah to return to God and warned of the consequences of their disobedience. The mention of Beth-ezel, though brief, contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical prophecy and the enduring call to righteousness.BETH-EZEL

beth-e'-zel (beth ha-'etsel; oikos echomenous autes; literally, "adjoining house"): A place named along with other cities in the Philistine plain (Micah 1:11). The site has not been identified. By some it is thought to be the same as Azel of Zechariah 14:5; but see AZEL.

1018. Beth Haetsel -- a place in Judah
... Beth Haetsel. 1019 . a place in Judah. Transliteration: Beth Haetsel Phonetic
Spelling: (bayth haw-ay'-tsel) Short Definition: Beth-ezel. ... Beth- ezel. ...
/hebrew/1018.htm - 6kBethezel (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-EZEL. beth-e'-zel (beth ... see AZEL.
Multi-Version Concordance Bethezel (1 Occurrence). Micah 1 ...
/b/bethezel.htm - 7k

Beth-ezel (1 Occurrence)
Beth-ezel. Bethezel, Beth-ezel. Beth-e'zel . Int. ... (ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT
NAS). Bethezel, Beth-ezel. Beth-e'zel . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-ezel.htm - 7k

Beth-e'zel (1 Occurrence)
Beth-e'zel. Beth-ezel, Beth-e'zel. Bethgader . ... Not gone out hath the inhabitant
of Zaanan, The lamentation of Beth-Ezel doth take from you its standing. ...
/b/beth-e'zel.htm - 6k

Bethesda (1 Occurrence)

/b/bethesda.htm - 11k

Zaanan (1 Occurrence)
... The inhabitant of Zaanan won't come out. The wailing of BethEzel will take from
you his protection. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/z/zaanan.htm - 7k

Za'anan (1 Occurrence)
... The inhabitant of Zaanan won't come out. The wailing of BethEzel will take from
you his protection. (See RSV). Zaanan, Za'anan. Zaanannim . Reference Bible
/z/za'anan.htm - 6k

Inhabitress (12 Occurrences)
... shame. The inhabitress of Zaanan is not come forth for the lamentation of
Beth-ezel: he will take from you its shelter. (DBY). Micah ...
/i/inhabitress.htm - 10k

Ezel (3 Occurrences)
... The inhabitant of Zaanan won't come out. The wailing of BethEzel will take from
you his protection. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/ezel.htm - 8k

Standing-place (1 Occurrence)
... Micah 1:11 Pass away, O inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame: the inhabitant
of Zaanan is not come forth; the wailing of Beth-ezel shall take from you ...
/s/standing-place.htm - 6k

Shaphir (1 Occurrence)
... The inhabitant of Zaanan won't come out. The wailing of BethEzel will take
from you his protection. (WEB ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shaphir.htm - 7k

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