Topical Encyclopedia Beth-rehob is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the narratives concerning the tribes of Israel and their interactions with neighboring peoples. The name "Beth-rehob" translates to "house of the street" or "house of the open place," suggesting a location of some significance, possibly a city or a region with a notable thoroughfare.Biblical References: 1. Judges 18:28 · Beth-rehob is mentioned in the account of the Danites' conquest of Laish. The verse states, "There was no one to deliver them, because they lived far from Sidon and had no dealings with anyone. It was in the valley that belongs to Beth-rehob. They rebuilt the city and lived in it." This passage situates Beth-rehob in the northern part of Israel, near the city of Laish, which the Danites captured and renamed Dan. 2. 2 Samuel 10:6 · The location is also referenced in the context of King David's military campaigns. When the Ammonites realized they had become odious to David, they hired Arameans from Beth-rehob, among others, to bolster their forces. "When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, they sent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and the Arameans of Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and twelve thousand men from Tob." Historical and Geographical Context: Beth-rehob is believed to have been located in the northern part of ancient Israel, possibly in the region that is today southern Lebanon. Its proximity to Laish (Dan) and its mention alongside other Aramean cities suggest it was part of a network of city-states or regions that were significant during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy in Israel. The mention of Beth-rehob in the context of the Aramean coalition against David indicates its strategic importance and its role in the regional politics of the time. The hiring of mercenaries from Beth-rehob by the Ammonites underscores the city's military significance and its connections with other Aramean territories. Cultural and Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the references to Beth-rehob highlight the complex interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors. The narrative in Judges illustrates the expansion of the Israelite tribes and their establishment in the Promised Land, while the account in 2 Samuel reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics during King David's reign. Beth-rehob's inclusion in these narratives serves as a reminder of the constant challenges faced by the Israelites from surrounding nations and the need for reliance on God's guidance and protection. The historical accounts involving Beth-rehob also underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the land, despite the opposition from neighboring peoples. In summary, Beth-rehob is a location of historical and biblical significance, representing both a geographical landmark and a symbol of the broader struggles and triumphs of the Israelite people as they navigated their covenant relationship with God amidst a complex and often hostile world. Smith's Bible Dictionary Bethrehob(house of Rehob), place mentioned as having near it the valley in which lay the town of Laish or Dan. (Judges 18:28) It was one of the little kingdoms of Aram or Syria. (2 Samuel 10:6) Robinson conjectures that this ancient place is represented by the modern Hunin . International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-REHOBbeth-re'-hob (beth-rechobh; ho oikos Rhaab): An Aramean town and district which, along with Zobah and Maacah, assisted Ammon against David (2 Samuel 10:6, 8, Rehob). It is probably identical with Rehob (Numbers 13:21), the northern limit of the spies' journey. Laish-Da (probably Tell el-Kadi) was situated near it (Judges 18:28). The site of the town is unknown. It has been conjecturally identified with Hunin, West of Banias, and, more plausibly, with Banias itself (Thomson, The Land and the Book (2), 218; Buhl, Geog., 240; Moore, ICC, Judges, 399). Thesaurus Bethrehob (2 Occurrences)... Judges, 399). CH Thomson. Multi-Version Concordance Bethrehob (2 Occurrences). Judges 18:28 And there was no deliverer, because it ... /b/bethrehob.htm - 8k Beth-rehob (2 Occurrences) Zidon (25 Occurrences) Ishtob (2 Occurrences) Bethra'pha (1 Occurrence) Stank (6 Occurrences) Lieth (135 Occurrences) Business (147 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Bethrehob (2 Occurrences)Judges 18:28 2 Samuel 10:6 Subtopics Related Terms |