Topical Encyclopedia Beth-Horon refers to two ancient towns, Upper Beth-Horon and Lower Beth-Horon, located in the hill country of Ephraim. These towns played a significant role in biblical history and are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Beth-Horon" means "House of Horon," with Horon possibly being a reference to a Canaanite deity or a geographical feature.Geographical and Historical Context Beth-Horon was strategically situated on the main route from the coastal plain to the interior highlands, making it a critical military and trade route. The towns were located on the ascent from the Aijalon Valley to the central hill country, which made them key defensive positions in ancient Israel. Tribal Allocation Originally, Beth-Horon was allocated to the tribe of Ephraim as part of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 21:22 states, "Kibzaim, and Beth-Horon—four cities, along with their pasturelands." These towns were also given to the Kohathite Levites as part of their inheritance. Biblical Events Beth-Horon is notably mentioned in the context of several significant biblical events: 1. Joshua's Victory: One of the most famous events associated with Beth-Horon is Joshua's battle against the Amorite kings. In Joshua 10:10-11 , it is recorded, "And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, and pursued them along the road that goes up to Beth-Horon and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites." 2. Solomon's Fortifications: King Solomon fortified the towns of Beth-Horon as part of his extensive building projects. 1 Kings 9:17 notes, "So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-Horon." 3. Conflict with the Northern Kingdom: During the period of the divided monarchy, Beth-Horon was a site of conflict between the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. The towns were eventually taken by the northern tribes, as indicated in the historical records of the kings. Religious and Cultural Significance Beth-Horon held religious significance due to its association with the miraculous victory of Joshua, which demonstrated God's intervention on behalf of Israel. The towns also served as a reminder of the strategic importance of faith and obedience in securing the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations at the sites of Upper and Lower Beth-Horon have revealed remains from various periods, including Canaanite, Israelite, and later periods. These findings provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narratives. Beth-Horon remains a testament to the rich history of the Israelites and their enduring legacy in the land of Canaan. Its mention in the biblical text underscores the importance of strategic locations in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 25:13But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell on the cities of Judah, from Samaria even to Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil. Nave's Topical Index Library How Amaziah Made an Expedition against the Edomites and Amalekites ... How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Old Testament and Archeology Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Resources What does the Bible say about sun worship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the longest chapter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Pekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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