The term "Horons" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Beth-horon, which is mentioned in the Bible. Beth-horon was a strategically significant location in the hill country of Ephraim, situated on the border between the territories of Benjamin and Ephraim. The city was divided into two parts: Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon, both of which played crucial roles in various biblical narratives.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 10:10-11 : The city of Beth-horon is notably mentioned in the account of Joshua's battle against the Amorite kings. As the Israelites pursued their enemies, the Lord intervened by hurling large hailstones from the sky, causing more deaths than the Israelites did with the sword. "And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the road to Beth-horon and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the descent from Beth-horon, the LORD cast down large hailstones on them from the sky, more than the Israelites killed with the sword."

2. 1 Kings 9:17 : Solomon fortified the city as part of his extensive building projects, indicating its continued importance in the region. "So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon,"

3. 1 Chronicles 7:24 : The city is also mentioned in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, highlighting its significance in the tribal allotments. "His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon as well as Uzzen-sheerah."

Historical and Geographical Significance:

Beth-horon was located on a critical pass that connected the coastal plain with the interior highlands of Judea. This made it a vital military and trade route throughout ancient times. The "Ascent of Beth-horon" and the "Descent of Beth-horon" were well-known paths that armies would traverse, making the city a frequent site of military engagements.

Cultural and Religious Context:

The Horons, as inhabitants of Beth-horon, would have been part of the broader cultural and religious milieu of ancient Israel. The city's strategic location meant that it was often at the crossroads of various cultural influences, including those of the Canaanites and later the Israelites. The biblical narratives emphasize the role of divine intervention in battles associated with Beth-horon, underscoring the belief in God's active participation in the affairs of Israel.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered remains that attest to the city's historical significance. Findings include fortifications, pottery, and other artifacts that provide insight into the daily life and military importance of Beth-horon during different periods of its occupation.

In summary, the Horons, as residents of Beth-horon, were integral to the biblical history of Israel, with their city serving as a key location in both military and religious narratives. The biblical accounts of Beth-horon highlight themes of divine intervention, strategic importance, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel.Horons (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 13:34
But Absalom went in flight. And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman came and gave word to the king, saying, I saw men coming down by the way of the Horons, from the hillside.
(BBE)

Horons (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Horons (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom
went in flight. And the young man who kept the watch, lifting ...
/h/horons.htm - 6k

Watchman (19 Occurrences)
... And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band
of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman ...
/w/watchman.htm - 14k

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... The border line between Benjamin and Ephraim passed by the Beth-horons (Joshua
16:5; Joshua 21:22), the cities belonging to the latter tribe and therefore ...
/b/bethhoron.htm - 30k

Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... The border line between Benjamin and Ephraim passed by the Beth-horons (Joshua
16:5; Joshua 21:22), the cities belonging to the latter tribe and therefore ...
/b/beth-horon.htm - 30k

Horonaim (5 Occurrences)
... And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band
of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman ...
/h/horonaim.htm - 9k

Horona'im (5 Occurrences)
... And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band
of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman ...
/h/horona'im.htm - 7k

Slope (29 Occurrences)
... And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band
of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman ...
/s/slope.htm - 16k

Battle (282 Occurrences)
... made, the greater part of the Amorite army succeeded in escaping him and gained
a long start in their flight, toward the northwest, through the two Beth-horons...
/b/battle.htm - 55k

Horrible (12 Occurrences)

/h/horrible.htm - 11k

Lifting (157 Occurrences)
... And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band
of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman ...
/l/lifting.htm - 36k

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