Bethmarcaboth is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the tribal allotments described in the Book of Joshua. The name "Bethmarcaboth" is derived from Hebrew, meaning "house of chariots," which suggests a place associated with chariots, possibly a chariot city or a location where chariots were stored or manufactured.

Biblical References:

Bethmarcaboth is mentioned in the context of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. In Joshua 19:5 , it is listed among the cities that were given to the tribe of Simeon within the territory of Judah: "Ziklag, Bethmarcaboth, Hazar-susah." This allocation is part of the broader division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, as orchestrated by Joshua following the conquest of Canaan.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The precise location of Bethmarcaboth is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned frequently in biblical or extrabiblical sources. However, its inclusion in the list of cities within the Simeonite territory suggests it was a recognized settlement during the time of the Israelite settlement in Canaan. The association with chariots in its name may indicate its strategic or military significance, possibly serving as a hub for chariotry, which was an important component of ancient Near Eastern warfare.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The mention of Bethmarcaboth in the context of the tribal allotments underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. Each city and region, including Bethmarcaboth, represents a tangible manifestation of God's provision and the establishment of Israel as a nation in the land of Canaan.

Theologically, the allocation of cities like Bethmarcaboth to the tribe of Simeon also reflects the broader narrative of God's sovereignty and the ordered distribution of the land according to divine will. The specific mention of cities and their names in the biblical text serves to root the narrative in historical reality, providing a geographical framework for understanding the unfolding of Israel's history.

Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Bethmarcaboth, the study of similar sites and the broader region of the Negev, where Simeon's territory was located, provides insights into the lifestyle and culture of the inhabitants during the biblical period. Archaeological findings in the region often include remnants of fortifications, pottery, and other artifacts that shed light on the daily life and military practices of ancient Israel.

In summary, Bethmarcaboth, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history as recorded in the Bible. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments highlights the detailed nature of the biblical narrative and the importance of each location in the unfolding account of God's people.Bethmarcaboth

(house of the chariots), one of the towns of Simeon, situated to the extreme south of Judah. (Joshua 19:5; 1 Chronicles 4:31) In the parallel list, (Joshua 15:31) MADMANNAH occurs in place of Beth-marcaboth.

BETH-MARCABOTH

beth-mar'-ka-both (beth ha-markabhoth; Baithmachereb, "the house of chariots"): Mentioned along with Hazar-susah, "the station of horses" (Joshua 19:5 1 Chronicles 4:31) as cities in the Negeb near Ziklag. It is tempting to connect these stations with "the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen" which Solomon built (1 Kings 9:19; compare 1 Kings 10:26). The site of Beth-marcaboth has not been identified, but Guerin (La Terre Sainte. Jerusalem et le Nord de la Judee, II, 230) suggests Khan Yunas, Southwest of Gaza, as a suitable chariot city.

E. W. G. Masterman

Bethmarcaboth (2 Occurrences)
... EWG Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Bethmarcaboth (2 Occurrences). Joshua
19:5 And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah, (KJV). ...
/b/bethmarcaboth.htm - 7k

Beth-maachah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-maachah. Bethmaachah, Beth-maachah. Bethmarcaboth . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS YLT). Bethmaachah, Beth-maachah. Bethmarcaboth . Reference Bible
/b/beth-maachah.htm - 6k

Beth-marcaboth (2 Occurrences)
Beth-marcaboth. Bethmarcaboth, Beth-marcaboth. Beth-mar'caboth . Int. ... (ASV BBE
DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Bethmarcaboth, Beth-marcaboth. Beth-mar'caboth . ...
/b/beth-marcaboth.htm - 7k

Bethbirei (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bethbirei (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:31 And at
Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. ...
/b/bethbirei.htm - 6k

Hazarsusim (1 Occurrence)
... See HAZAR. Multi-Version Concordance Hazarsusim (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:31
And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. ...
/h/hazarsusim.htm - 7k

Hazarsusah (1 Occurrence)
... border of Judah. Multi-Version Concordance Hazarsusah (1 Occurrence). Joshua
19:5 And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah, (KJV). ...
/h/hazarsusah.htm - 6k

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