Biblical References:
Zarthan, also referred to as Zaretan or Zeredathah in some translations, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily noted in the context of the construction and historical narratives of the Israelites.

1. Joshua 3:16 : "The waters flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass that extended very far away from Adam, the city beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) were completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho."

2. 1 Kings 4:12 : "Baana son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam."

3. 1 Kings 7:46 : "The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan."

4. 2 Chronicles 4:17 : "The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zeredah."

Geographical Context:
Zarthan is situated in the Jordan Valley, near the Jordan River. It is often associated with the region between Succoth and the Jordan River, indicating its proximity to significant biblical sites. The location is crucial for understanding the geography of the Israelite tribes and their movements, particularly during the time of Joshua and the early monarchy.

Historical Significance:
Zarthan holds historical importance due to its mention in the context of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. The stopping of the river's flow at Zarthan allowed the Israelites to cross on dry ground, a pivotal moment in their journey to the Promised Land.

Additionally, Zarthan is noted as a site of industrial activity during the reign of King Solomon. The casting of bronze items for the temple, as described in 1 Kings 7:46 and 2 Chronicles 4:17, took place in the clay grounds between Succoth and Zarthan. This highlights the area's role in the production of materials for the First Temple, underscoring its contribution to Israel's religious and cultural heritage.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
The events associated with Zarthan reflect the themes of divine intervention and provision. The miraculous halting of the Jordan River's waters at Zarthan is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to make a way for His people.

The industrial activity in Zarthan during Solomon's reign also illustrates the wisdom and organizational skills attributed to Solomon, as well as the prosperity and peace that characterized his rule. The production of temple furnishings in this area signifies the centrality of worship and the temple in Israelite society.

Archaeological Considerations:
While the exact location of Zarthan remains uncertain, archaeological efforts continue to explore the Jordan Valley for evidence of its historical and industrial significance. The identification of Zarthan contributes to a broader understanding of the ancient Near Eastern landscape and the historical context of biblical events.Zarthan

1. A place in the circle of Jordan, mentioned in connection with Succoth. (1 Kings 7:46)
2. It is also named in the account of the passage of the Jordan by the Israelites, (Joshua 3:18) where the authorized Version has Zaretan.
3. A place with the similar name of Zartanah. (1 Kings 4:12)
4. Further, Zeredathah, named in (2 Chronicles 4:17) only in specifying the situation of the foundries for the brass-work of Solomon's temple, is substituted for Zarthan; and this again is not impossibly identical with the Zererath of the story of Gideon. (Judges 7:22) All these spots agree in proximity to the Jordan, but beyond this we are absolutely at fault as to their position.

A place near Succoth, in the plain of the Jordan, "in the clay ground," near which Hiram cast the brazen utensils for the temple (1 Kings 7:46); probably the same as Zartan. It is also called Zeredathah (2 Chronicles 4:17). (see ZEREDA.) ZARTHAN

zar'-than (tsarethan): the King James Version in 1 Kings 7:46 for ZARETHAN (which see).

6891. Tsarethan -- a city in the Jordan Valley
... Zarthan. Perhaps for Tsredah; Tsarethan, a place in Palestine -- Zarthan. see HEBREW
Tsredah. 6890, 6891. Tsarethan. 6892 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6891.htm - 6kZarthan (1 Occurrence)
...ZARTHAN. zar'-than (tsarethan): the King James Version in 1 Kings 7:46 for ZARETHAN
(which see). Multi-Version Concordance Zarthan (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zarthan.htm - 7k

Zeredathah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A place in the plain of Jordan; the same as Zarthan
(2 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Kings 7:46). Here Solomon erected ...
/z/zeredathah.htm - 7k

Zartanah (1 Occurrence)

/z/zartanah.htm - 7k

Zathoes

/z/zathoes.htm - 6k

Hiram (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:14; 2 Chronicles 4:16.) He cast the magnificent brazen works for Solomon's
temple in clay-beds in the valley of Jordan, between Succoth and Zarthan. ...
/h/hiram.htm - 18k

Circuit (27 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 1 Kings 7:46 In the circuit of the Jordan hath the king cast them, in the
thick soil of the ground, between Succoth and Zarthan. (YLT). ...
/c/circuit.htm - 16k

Soil (59 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 7:46 In the circuit of the Jordan hath the king cast them, in
the thick soil of the ground, between Succoth and Zarthan. (YLT). ...
/s/soil.htm - 23k

Thick (129 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:46 In the circuit of the Jordan hath the king cast them, in the thick
soil of the ground, between Succoth and Zarthan. (YLT). ...
/t/thick.htm - 38k

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