Topical Encyclopedia Beth-shittah Beth-shittah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is noted in the context of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianites. The name "Beth-shittah" translates to "house of acacias," indicating a place where acacia trees were abundant. In Judges 7:22, the Berean Standard Bible states: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." This passage highlights Beth-shittah as a point in the route of the fleeing Midianites, emphasizing its geographical significance during Gideon's victory. Zererah Zererah is another location mentioned in the same passage in Judges 7:22. The exact location of Zererah is not definitively known, but it is considered to be in the vicinity of the Jordan Valley. The mention of Zererah in the context of the Midianite retreat underscores its role as a landmark in the narrative of Gideon's triumph. The name "Zererah" is sometimes associated with the idea of "distress" or "narrowness," which may reflect the strategic or topographical features of the area. Abel-meholah Abel-meholah, meaning "meadow of dancing," is a significant location in the biblical narrative. It is situated in the Jordan Valley and is known as the birthplace of the prophet Elisha. In the context of Judges 7:22, Abel-meholah marks the extent of the Midianite flight. The area is later mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16, where Elijah is instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor: "You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place" . This highlights Abel-meholah's continued importance in Israel's prophetic history. Tabbath Tabbath is the final location mentioned in the sequence of the Midianite retreat in Judges 7:22. The precise location of Tabbath is not clearly identified in modern geography, and it is only mentioned in this particular passage. The name "Tabbath" may be derived from a root meaning "celebration" or "good," though its exact significance remains uncertain. Its inclusion in the narrative serves to delineate the extent of the Midianite defeat and the thoroughness of Gideon's pursuit. These locations collectively illustrate the geographical and historical context of Gideon's victory over the Midianites, a pivotal event in the Book of Judges that underscores God's deliverance of Israel through divinely appointed leaders. |