Bethlebaoth is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is identified as one of the towns in the territory assigned to the tribe of Simeon. The name "Bethlebaoth" is thought to mean "house of lions," though the exact etymology is not definitively established.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 19:1-6 : In the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, Bethlebaoth is listed among the towns given to the tribe of Simeon. The passage states: "The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon, and their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah. Their inheritance included Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities, along with their villages."

2. 1 Chronicles 4:28-31 : This passage provides a genealogical record and territorial description for the descendants of Simeon. Bethlebaoth is again mentioned as part of their inheritance: "They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Bethlebaoth is situated in the Negev region, a semi-arid area in the southern part of ancient Israel. The Negev was known for its challenging environment, requiring its inhabitants to adapt to the harsh conditions. The inclusion of Bethlebaoth in the Simeonite territory, which was within the larger allotment of Judah, reflects the unique arrangement where Simeon’s inheritance was embedded within Judah’s land. This arrangement is indicative of the close relationship between the tribes of Simeon and Judah.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Bethlebaoth has not been conclusively found, the general area of the Negev has been the subject of numerous archaeological studies. These studies have uncovered various settlements and artifacts that provide insight into the life and culture of the inhabitants during the biblical period. The lack of direct evidence for Bethlebaoth is not uncommon, as many ancient sites have yet to be discovered or properly identified.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Bethlebaoth in the context of the tribal allotments underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. The inclusion of Bethlebaoth in the Simeonite inheritance highlights the detailed nature of the biblical record and the importance of each tribe's role in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history.

Bethlebaoth, though not a major city or frequently mentioned location, contributes to the broader understanding of the tribal dynamics and settlement patterns in ancient Israel. Its mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of places and people that form the backdrop of the biblical account.Bethlebaoth

(house of lionesses), a town in the lot of Simeon, (Joshua 19:6) in the extreme south of Judah. [ (Joshua 15:32) LEBAOTH] In (1 Chronicles 4:31) the name is given BETH-BIREI.

BETH-LEBAOTH

beth-le-ba'-oth, beth-leb'-aoth (beth lebha'oth; Baithalbath, "house of lionesses"): A town in the territory of Simeon (Joshua 19:6). In 1 Chronicles 4:31 the name is given as Beth-birei: the Revised Version (British and American) BETH-BIRI (which see).

Bethlebaoth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bethlebaoth (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:6 And Bethlebaoth,
and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages: (KJV). ...
/b/bethlebaoth.htm - 7k

Lebaoth (2 Occurrences)
... It is the same as Bethlebaoth of Joshua 19:6, which, by a clerical error appears
in 1 Chronicles 4:31 as "Beth-biri.". Multi-Version Concordance ...
/l/lebaoth.htm - 7k

Beth-le-aph'rah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-le-aph'rah. Beth-le-aphrah, Beth-le-aph'rah. Bethlebaoth . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Beth-le-aphrah, Beth-le-aph'rah. Bethlebaoth . ...
/b/beth-le-aph'rah.htm - 6k

Beth-lebaoth (1 Occurrence)
Beth-lebaoth. Bethlebaoth, Beth-lebaoth. Beth-leba'oth . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... Bethlebaoth, Beth-lebaoth. Beth-leba'oth . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-lebaoth.htm - 7k

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