Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Jeshanah" is derived from the Hebrew root "yashan," meaning "old" or "ancient." It is often interpreted as "old town" or "ancient place." Biblical References: Jeshanah is mentioned in the context of the reign of King Asa of Judah. The primary reference to Jeshanah is found in 2 Chronicles 13:19: "And Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured some cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron, with their surrounding villages" . This passage highlights Jeshanah as one of the cities captured by King Abijah of Judah during his conflict with Jeroboam, the king of Israel. Historical and Geographical Context: Jeshanah is identified as a fortified city in the hill country of Ephraim, which was part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Its capture by Abijah signifies a strategic victory for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, as it was located near the border between the two kingdoms. The mention of Jeshanah alongside Bethel and Ephron suggests its importance in the regional power dynamics of the time. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Jeshanah is limited, the region where it is believed to have been located has yielded findings that provide insight into the period's settlement patterns and fortifications. The identification of ancient sites in the hill country of Ephraim continues to be a subject of scholarly research, with some proposing that Jeshanah may correspond to a site with significant Iron Age remains. Theological Significance: The capture of Jeshanah by Abijah is part of a larger narrative demonstrating God's favor towards the Davidic line and the kingdom of Judah. The victory over Jeroboam is seen as a divine endorsement of Abijah's reign, despite his own shortcomings. This event underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to David's descendants. Cultural and Religious Impact: Jeshanah, as part of the biblical narrative, contributes to the understanding of the divided monarchy period in Israel's history. It reflects the ongoing conflict and tension between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, which had both political and religious implications. The capture of cities like Jeshanah by Judah is indicative of the shifting power dynamics and the efforts to maintain religious and cultural identity amidst division. Modern Relevance: For contemporary readers and scholars, Jeshanah serves as a reminder of the historical realities faced by the ancient Israelites. It invites reflection on the themes of faithfulness, divine intervention, and the complexities of leadership and governance in biblical history. Jeshanah's mention in Scripture, though brief, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's past and God's unfolding plan for His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Jeshanah(old), a town which, with its dependent villages, was one of the three taken from Jeroboam by Abijah. (2 Chronicles 13:19) Easton's Bible Dictionary A city of the kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 13:19). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JESHANAHjesh'-a-na, je-sha'-na (yeshanah): A town named with Bethel and Ephron among the places taken by Abijah from Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:19). Most scholars are agreed that the same name should be read instead of ha-shen, in 1 Samuel 7:12. It is probably identical with the Isanas, of Josephus (Ant., XIV, xv, 12). It is represented by the modern `Ain Sinia, 3 1/4 miles North of Bethel, with a spring and interesting ancient remains. Strong's Hebrew 3466. Yeshanah -- a city near Bethel... Yeshanah. 3467 . a city near Bethel. Transliteration: Yeshanah Phonetic Spelling: (yesh-aw-naw') Short Definition: Jeshanah. Word Origin fem. ... Jeshanah. ... /hebrew/3466.htm - 6k Library Some Places Bordering Upon Tsippor. Jeshanah. Ketsarah. Shihin. From the Talmud and Hebraica Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ... Thesaurus Jeshanah (3 Occurrences)... A city of the kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 13:19). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JESHANAH. ... Multi-Version Concordance Jeshanah (3 Occurrences). ... /j/jeshanah.htm - 8k Jesha'nah (2 Occurrences) Ephron (13 Occurrences) Jeshai'ah (7 Occurrences) Naming (21 Occurrences) Ephrain (1 Occurrence) Pursueth (28 Occurrences) Bethbasi Captureth (24 Occurrences) Abi'jah (26 Occurrences) Resources What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Abijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jeshanah (3 Occurrences)1 Samuel 7:12 2 Chronicles 13:19 Nehemiah 12:39 Subtopics Jeshanah: A City on the North Side of Benjamin Related Terms |