Topical Encyclopedia The term "Shearing House" appears in the context of biblical narratives, specifically in the Old Testament. It is a location mentioned in the account of the violent and tumultuous events during the reign of Jehu, the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The Shearing House is referenced in 2 Kings 10:12-14, a passage that describes Jehu's campaign to eradicate the house of Ahab and eliminate Baal worship from Israel.Biblical Reference: In 2 Kings 10:12-14 , the text states: "Then Jehu set out and went toward Samaria. At Beth Eked of the Shepherds, he met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, 'Who are you?' They answered, 'We are relatives of Ahaziah, and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and the sons of the queen mother.' 'Take them alive!' Jehu ordered. So they took them alive and slaughtered them at the well of Beth Eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them." Historical and Cultural Context: The Shearing House, referred to as "Beth Eked of the Shepherds" in the Berean Standard Bible, is understood to be a place associated with sheep shearing, a common agricultural activity in ancient Israel. Sheep shearing was not only a time of labor but also a social event, often accompanied by feasting and celebration. The location's name suggests it was a well-known landmark, possibly a central place for shepherds to gather and shear their flocks. Significance in the Narrative: The encounter at the Shearing House is significant in the narrative of Jehu's purge. Jehu, anointed by a prophet to become king and tasked with executing divine judgment on the house of Ahab, was zealous in his mission to cleanse Israel of idolatry and the influence of Ahab's lineage. The slaughter of Ahaziah's relatives at this location underscores the thoroughness and ruthlessness of Jehu's campaign. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the royal families of Israel and Judah, as Ahaziah was a king of Judah and a relative of Ahab through marriage alliances. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the events at the Shearing House illustrate the theme of divine judgment and the fulfillment of prophetic words. Jehu's actions, while brutal, are depicted as part of God's plan to rid Israel of the corrupting influence of Baal worship and the legacy of Ahab and Jezebel. This narrative serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the lengths to which He will go to preserve the purity of His people. Archaeological and Geographical Considerations: The exact location of the Shearing House, or Beth Eked, remains uncertain, as it is not definitively identified with any known archaeological site. However, its mention alongside Samaria suggests it was situated within the northern kingdom, possibly near key routes or settlements. The lack of precise identification does not diminish its role in the biblical account, as it serves primarily as a narrative setting for Jehu's decisive actions. In summary, the Shearing House is a significant location within the biblical narrative of Jehu's reign, symbolizing the execution of divine justice and the eradication of idolatrous influences from Israel. Its mention in Scripture provides insight into the historical and theological context of the period, reflecting the broader themes of judgment and covenant faithfulness. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Shearing HouseSHEARING HOUSE sher'-ing (beth `eqedh ha-ro`im, "house of binding of the shepherds"; Codex Vaticanus Baithakath (Codex Alexandrinus Baithakad) ton poimenon): Here in the course of his extinction of the house of Ahab, Jehu met and destroyed 42 men, "the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah" (2 Kings 10:12-14). Eusebius (in Onomasticon) takes the phrase as a proper name, Bethacath, and locates the village 15 miles from Legio in the plain. This seems to point to identification with Beit Kad, about 3 miles East of Jenin. Strong's Hebrew 1044. Beth-eqed -- "house of binding," a place in Palestine... shearing house. From bayith and a derivative of aqad; house of (the) binding (for sheep-shearing); Beth-Eked, a place in Palestine -- shearing house. ... /hebrew/1044.htm - 6k 7462. ra'ah -- to pasture, tend, graze Library Abigail's Sensible Advice David's Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service Of Removing Tithes. Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ... Chapter xxxviii Acts XVIII Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the Disorder which Has Happened ... Psalm LXIX. A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Resources How was God Himself the inheritance of the Levites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Amnon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of David and Nabal? | GotQuestions.org Shearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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