Beth-hor'on refers to two ancient towns in the tribal territory of Ephraim, known as Upper Beth-hor'on and Lower Beth-hor'on. These towns are significant in biblical history and are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are strategically located on the ascent from the coastal plain to the hill country of Ephraim, serving as a critical pass between the Philistine plains and the central hill country of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua's Conquest: The towns of Beth-hor'on are first mentioned in the context of Joshua's military campaigns. In Joshua 10:10-11 , during the battle against the Amorite kings, the Lord confounded the enemies of Israel, and as they fled, "the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky along the descent of Beth-hor'on." This miraculous event underscores the divine intervention in Israel's conquest of Canaan.

2. Levitical Cities: Beth-hor'on was assigned to the Levites, as recorded in Joshua 21:22 , which states, "Kibzaim and Beth-hor'on, together with their pasturelands—four cities." This allocation highlights the town's religious significance and its role in supporting the Levitical priesthood.

3. Solomon's Fortifications: King Solomon fortified Beth-hor'on as part of his extensive building projects. In 1 Kings 9:17 , it is noted, "So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-hor'on," indicating its importance as a defensive site and a center of administration during his reign.

4. Military Significance: The strategic location of Beth-hor'on made it a frequent site of military encounters. In 1 Samuel 13:18 , the Philistines used the route through Beth-hor'on during their incursions into Israelite territory, demonstrating its continued military relevance.

5. Maccabean Revolt: In the intertestamental period, Beth-hor'on was the site of a significant battle during the Maccabean Revolt. Judas Maccabeus achieved a notable victory over the Seleucid forces here, further cementing its place in Jewish military history.

Geographical and Archaeological Insights:

Beth-hor'on is identified with the modern villages of Beit Ur al-Fauqa (Upper Beth-hor'on) and Beit Ur al-Tahta (Lower Beth-hor'on). The towns are situated along a ridge that provides a natural route from the coastal plain to the interior highlands. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including fortifications and domestic structures, attesting to the towns' long-standing occupation and strategic importance.

Theological Significance:

Beth-hor'on's repeated mention in the biblical narrative underscores themes of divine intervention, covenant faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The miraculous victory at Beth-hor'on during Joshua's campaign serves as a testament to God's power and His commitment to His people. The towns' allocation to the Levites and their fortification by Solomon reflect the integration of religious and political life in ancient Israel.

In summary, Beth-hor'on holds a prominent place in biblical history as a site of divine intervention, military significance, and religious importance. Its strategic location and repeated mention in Scripture highlight its role in the unfolding narrative of God's dealings with His people.Beth-hor'on (12 Occurrences)

Joshua 10:10
And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon; and they chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
(See RSV)

Joshua 16:3
And it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, unto the border of Beth-horon the nether, even unto Gezer; and the goings out thereof were at the sea.
(See RSV)

Joshua 16:5
And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus; even the border of their inheritance eastward was Atroth-addar, unto Beth-horon the upper.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:13
And the border passed along from thence to Luz, to the side of Luz--the same is Beth-el--southward; and the border went down to Atroth-addar, by the mountain that lieth on the south of Beth-horon the nether.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:14
And the border was drawn and turned about on the west side southward, from the mountain that lieth before Beth-horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kiriath-baal--the same is Kiriath-jearim--a city of the children of Judah; this was the west side.
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:22
and Kibzaim with the open land about it, and Beth-horon with the open land about it; four cities.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 13:18
and another company turned the way to Beth-horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looketh down upon the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 9:17
And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:68
and Jokmeam with the open land about it, and Bethhoron with the open land about it;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 7:24
And his daughter was Sheerah, who built Beth-horon the nether and the upper, and Uzzen-sheerah.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 8:5
Also he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the nether, fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 25:13
But the men of the army whom Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Beth-horon, and smote of them three thousand, and took much spoil.
(See RSV)

Beth-hor'on (12 Occurrences)
Beth-hor'on. Beth-horon, Beth-hor'on. Bethink . Multi-Version Concordance
Beth-hor'on (12 Occurrences). Joshua 10:10 And the LORD ...
/b/beth-hor'on.htm - 9k

Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
Beth-horon. Bethhoron, Beth-horon. Beth-hor'on . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Bethhoron, Beth-horon. Beth-hor'on . ...
/b/beth-horon.htm - 30k

Bethink (4 Occurrences)

/b/bethink.htm - 8k

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