Bethemek is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Bethemek is found in Joshua 19:25, which describes the inheritance of the tribe of Asher. The verse states: "Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the boundary touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath" (Joshua 19:25). Bethemek is listed among the towns within the boundaries of Asher's inheritance.

Geographical Context:

Bethemek is situated in the northern region of ancient Israel, within the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher. The exact location of Bethemek is not definitively known today, as archaeological evidence has yet to provide a precise identification. However, it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of other known sites within Asher's allotment, which is characterized by its fertile land and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The tribe of Asher, to which Bethemek belonged, was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's territory was known for its agricultural richness, particularly its olive oil production, which is alluded to in Jacob's blessing over Asher: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies" (Genesis 49:20).

Bethemek, as part of this region, would have shared in the agricultural prosperity that characterized Asher's inheritance. The towns and cities within Asher's borders played a role in the tribe's economic and social life, contributing to the overall stability and wealth of the area.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Bethemek in the Bible underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. The division of the land among the tribes, including the allocation of Bethemek to Asher, is a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for His people and establishing them in the land He swore to give to their ancestors.

The allocation of specific towns and regions, such as Bethemek, also highlights the importance of land in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The land was not only a physical inheritance but also a symbol of divine blessing and a place where the Israelites were to live out their covenantal responsibilities, including worship, justice, and community life.

Conclusion:

While Bethemek itself is not a major focal point in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the territorial descriptions of the tribe of Asher serves as a reminder of the detailed and intentional nature of God's provision for His people. The historical and geographical context of Bethemek contributes to our understanding of the tribal system in ancient Israel and the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture.Bethemek

house of deepness

Bethemek

(house of the valley), a place on or near the border of Asher, on the north side of which was the ravine of Jiphthah-el (Joshua 19:27)

BETH-EMEK

beth-e'-mek (beth ha-'emeq; Bethaemek, "house of the valley"): A town in the territory of Zebulun (Joshua 19:27). It has not been identified, but must be sought somewhere East of Acre, not far from Kabul, the ancient Cabul.

Bethemek (1 Occurrence)
... It has not been identified, but must be sought somewhere East of Acre, not far from
Kabul, the ancient Cabul. Multi-Version Concordance Bethemek (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bethemek.htm - 7k

Jiphthahel (2 Occurrences)
... 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and
to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and ...
/j/jiphthahel.htm - 7k

Reacheth (23 Occurrences)
... 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and
to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and ...
/r/reacheth.htm - 13k

Bethdagon (2 Occurrences)
... 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and
to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and ...
/b/bethdagon.htm - 8k

Bethel-sarezer (1 Occurrence)
Bethel-sarezer. Beth-el-luz, Bethel-sarezer. Bethemek . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Beth-el-luz, Bethel-sarezer. Bethemek . Reference Bible.
/b/bethel-sarezer.htm - 6k

Beth-emek (1 Occurrence)
Beth-emek. Bethemek, Beth-emek. Bether . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-EMEK. ... Bethemek, Beth-emek. Bether . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-emek.htm - 7k

Sunrising (15 Occurrences)
... 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and
to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and ...
/s/sunrising.htm - 12k

Turneth (249 Occurrences)
... 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and
to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and ...
/t/turneth.htm - 38k

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