Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Location: Beth-meon, also referred to as Beth-baal-meon, is a biblical town whose name means "house of habitation" or "house of Baal's habitation." It is located in the territory of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The town is mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments and the territorial expansions of the Israelites and neighboring nations. Biblical References: Beth-meon is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament. In the Book of Numbers, it is listed among the cities built by the tribe of Reuben: "And Nebo, and Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded" (Numbers 32:38). This indicates that the Reubenites, upon settling in the region, renamed the city, possibly to remove any association with the Canaanite deity Baal. In the Book of Joshua, Beth-baal-meon is again mentioned as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben: "And Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley, and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth, and Beth-baal-meon" (Joshua 13:18-20). This passage underscores its significance as a Reubenite city. The prophet Jeremiah also references Beth-meon in his pronouncements against Moab: "Upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon, and upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near" (Jeremiah 48:23-24). This indicates that by the time of Jeremiah, Beth-meon was under Moabite control, reflecting the shifting political landscape of the region. Historical and Archaeological Insights: Beth-meon, identified with the modern site of Ma'in in Jordan, has been the subject of archaeological interest. Excavations and surveys have revealed remnants of ancient structures, pottery, and inscriptions that provide insight into the city's historical significance and its role in the region's trade and military activities. Theological Significance: Beth-meon's mention in the context of Israelite settlement and Moabite control highlights the complex interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors. The renaming of the city by the Reubenites reflects a common biblical theme of transformation and the rejection of pagan influences. The city's inclusion in prophetic judgments against Moab serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate plan for His people. Cultural Context: As a city in the region of Moab, Beth-meon would have been influenced by the cultural and religious practices of the Moabites. The presence of the name "Baal" in its original designation suggests the worship of Canaanite deities, which was prevalent in the area. The biblical narrative often contrasts such practices with the worship of Yahweh, emphasizing the distinct identity and calling of the Israelite people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Beth-MeonInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-MEONbeth-me'-on: A city of Moab (Jeremiah 48:23), identical with BAAL-MEON (which see). Strong's Hebrew 1010. Beth Baal Meon -- "house of Baal of (the) habitation," a ...... Origin from bayith, Baal, and maon Definition "house of Baal of (the) habitation," a place E. of the Jordan NASB Word Usage Beth-baal-meon (1), Beth-meon (1). ... /hebrew/1010.htm - 6k Library Some Other Towns Near Tiberias. Beth-Meon. Caphar Chittaia. ... From the Talmud and Hebraica Thesaurus Bethmeon (1 Occurrence)...BETH-MEON. beth-me'-on: A city of Moab (Jeremiah 48:23), identical with BAAL-MEON (which see). Multi-Version Concordance Bethmeon (1 Occurrence). ... /b/bethmeon.htm - 6k Beth-meon (1 Occurrence) Bethgamul (1 Occurrence) Beth-me'on (1 Occurrence) Baalmeon (3 Occurrences) Baal-meon (3 Occurrences) Beth-gamul (1 Occurrence) Kirjathaim (6 Occurrences) Kiriatha'im (5 Occurrences) Kiriathaim (7 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beth-meon (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 48:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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