Topical Encyclopedia Beth-horon refers to two ancient towns in the territory of Ephraim, known as Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon. 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 Judea, serving as a critical pass and route for travelers and armies.Biblical References: 1. Joshua's Conquest: The towns of Beth-horon 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 threw the enemies into confusion before Israel, and as they fled, "the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky along the descent of Beth-horon." This miraculous event contributed to Israel's victory and demonstrated God's intervention on behalf of His people. 2. Tribal Allotment: Beth-horon was allotted to the tribe of Ephraim as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. Joshua 16:3 describes the boundary of Ephraim's territory, which included "the border went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and Gezer, and it ended at the sea." 3. Levitical Cities: The towns were also designated as Levitical cities. In 1 Chronicles 6:68 , it is recorded that "Jokmeam, Beth-horon," and other towns were given to the Levites, indicating their importance as centers of religious and communal life. 4. Solomon's Fortifications: King Solomon recognized the strategic importance of Beth-horon and fortified both Upper and Lower Beth-horon. 2 Chronicles 8:5 states, "He rebuilt Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars." 5. Military Significance: The Beth-horon pass was a frequent site of military engagements due to its strategic location. In 1 Maccabees 3:16, during the Maccabean revolt, Judas Maccabeus defeated the forces of Seron at Beth-horon, showcasing its continued military relevance even in the intertestamental period. Historical and Archaeological Insights: Beth-horon is identified with the modern villages of Beit Ur al-Fauqa (Upper Beth-horon) and Beit Ur al-Tahta (Lower Beth-horon). Archaeological findings in these areas have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Canaanite, Israelite, and Roman eras, confirming the towns' long-standing significance. Theological Significance: Beth-horon serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over Israel. The miraculous victory at Beth-horon during Joshua's time is a powerful reminder of divine intervention in the affairs of His people. The towns' inclusion in the Levitical cities underscores their role in the spiritual life of Israel, while their fortification by Solomon highlights the importance of wisdom and preparedness in governance. Beth-horon remains a symbol of God's faithfulness and the enduring legacy of biblical history, illustrating the intersection of divine purpose and human action in the unfolding narrative of God's people. Concordance Beth-horan (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 6:68 Thesaurus Beth-horan (1 Occurrence)Beth-horan. Beth-hoglah, Beth-horan. Bethhoron . Multi-Version Concordance Beth-horan (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 6 ... /b/beth-horan.htm - 6k Beth-hoglah (2 Occurrences) Bethhoron (12 Occurrences) 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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