The term "Beth-shemeshite" refers to an inhabitant of Beth-shemesh, a city of significant historical and religious importance in ancient Israel. Beth-shemesh, meaning "House of the Sun," was a Levitical city located in the territory of the tribe of Judah, near the border with the tribe of Dan. It is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Ark of the Covenant and the territorial boundaries of the tribes.

Biblical References:

1. Location and Significance:
Beth-shemesh is first mentioned in the context of the territorial allotments of the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15:10, it is described as part of the boundary of the tribe of Judah: "Then the border turned westward to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim), and went around to the west of Mount Seir, passing along to the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), and went down to Beth-shemesh and crossed to Timnah."

2. The Ark of the Covenant:
One of the most notable events associated with Beth-shemesh is the return of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. After capturing the Ark in battle, the Philistines experienced divine plagues and decided to return it to Israel. The Ark was sent on a cart pulled by two cows and arrived at Beth-shemesh, where the people were harvesting wheat in the valley. The residents rejoiced at the sight of the Ark. However, some of the men of Beth-shemesh looked inside the Ark, which led to a severe judgment from God. As recorded in 1 Samuel 6:19, "But God struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the Ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter."

3. Levitical City:
Beth-shemesh was designated as a Levitical city, meaning it was set apart for the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel. This designation is noted in Joshua 21:16, where Beth-shemesh is listed among the cities given to the Levites: "Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes."

4. Military and Political Context:
The city also appears in the context of military and political events. In 2 Kings 14:11-13, King Amaziah of Judah challenged King Jehoash of Israel to battle, and they met at Beth-shemesh. The battle resulted in a defeat for Amaziah, and Jehoash captured him, subsequently breaking down the wall of Jerusalem.

Archaeological Insights:

Beth-shemesh has been the subject of archaeological excavations, revealing layers of occupation that correspond to various periods of Israelite history. These findings have provided insights into the city's role as a border town and its interactions with neighboring Philistine territories.

Cultural and Religious Context:

As a Levitical city, Beth-shemesh would have been a center for religious instruction and worship, playing a crucial role in the spiritual life of the Israelites. The events surrounding the Ark of the Covenant highlight the city's importance in the religious narrative of Israel and underscore the holiness and reverence associated with the Ark.

In summary, the Beth-shemeshites were the inhabitants of a city that held both religious and strategic significance in ancient Israel. Their experiences, particularly with the Ark of the Covenant, serve as a testament to the city's role in the broader biblical narrative.

The Ark among the Philistines
... they rejoiced at the sight. When the ark came into the field of Joshua,
the Bethshemeshite, it stood still there. And a great stone ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the ark among the philistines.htm

Beth-shemeshite (2 Occurrences)
Beth-shemeshite. Beth-she'mesh, Beth-shemeshite. Beth-shemeshites .
Multi-Version Concordance Beth-shemeshite (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/beth-shemeshite.htm - 7k

Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences)
Beth-she'mesh. Beth-shemesh, Beth-she'mesh. Beth-shemeshite . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Beth-shemesh, Beth-she'mesh. Beth-shemeshite . ...
/b/beth-she'mesh.htm - 12k

Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... the hamlet of the villages, even unto the great meadow on which they placed the
ark of Jehovah -- 'are' unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-Shemeshite...
/m/meadow.htm - 12k

Peasantry (3 Occurrences)
... they brought them as far as the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark
of Jehovah, which is to this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemeshite. ...
/p/peasantry.htm - 7k

Beth-shemeshites (1 Occurrence)
Beth-shemeshites. Beth-shemeshite, Beth-shemeshites. Bethshemite . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (YLT). Beth-shemeshite, Beth-shemeshites. Bethshemite . ...
/b/beth-shemeshites.htm - 6k

Standeth (111 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 6:14 And the cart hath come in unto the field of Joshua the Beth-Shemeshite,
and standeth there, and there 'is' a great stone, and they cleave the ...
/s/standeth.htm - 36k

Ascend (86 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 6:14 And the cart hath come in unto the field of Joshua the Beth-Shemeshite,
and standeth there, and there 'is' a great stone, and they cleave the ...
/a/ascend.htm - 37k

Hamlet (1 Occurrence)
... the hamlet of the villages, even unto the great meadow on which they placed the
ark of Jehovah -- 'are' unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-Shemeshite...
/h/hamlet.htm - 6k

Princes (324 Occurrences)
... the hamlet of the villages, even unto the great meadow on which they placed the
ark of Jehovah -- 'are' unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-Shemeshite...
/p/princes.htm - 40k

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