Bethshemesh, meaning "House of the Sun," is a significant biblical city mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. It is associated with several historical and religious events, primarily within the territories of Judah and the tribe of Dan. The name reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of associating cities with deities or celestial bodies, in this case, the sun.

Geographical Location

Bethshemesh is located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, near the border with the Philistine territory. Its strategic position made it a site of frequent conflict and interaction between the Israelites and the Philistines. The modern archaeological site identified as Bethshemesh is Tel Beth-Shemesh, situated near the modern town of Beit Shemesh in Israel.

Biblical References

1. Inheritance of the Tribe of Dan: In the division of the Promised Land, Bethshemesh is listed as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:41). However, due to the Danites' struggles to maintain control over their allotted territory, the city often found itself under the influence of neighboring tribes and peoples.

2. Return of the Ark of the Covenant: One of the most notable events associated with Bethshemesh is the return of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. After suffering plagues for having captured the Ark, the Philistines sent it back to Israel on a cart drawn by two cows. The cart came to a stop in the field of Joshua of Bethshemesh, where the people rejoiced at its return (1 Samuel 6:12-15). However, due to the irreverent act of looking into the Ark, the Lord struck down many of the men of Bethshemesh (1 Samuel 6:19).

3. Solomon's Administrative Districts: During the reign of King Solomon, Bethshemesh was included in one of the administrative districts overseen by his officials (1 Kings 4:9). This inclusion highlights its continued importance in the region.

4. Conflict with the Philistines: Bethshemesh was a site of conflict during the reign of King Amaziah of Judah. After defeating the Edomites, Amaziah challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. The two armies met at Bethshemesh, where Amaziah was defeated, and Jehoash captured him (2 Kings 14:11-13; 2 Chronicles 25:21-23).

5. Levitical City: Bethshemesh was designated as a Levitical city, providing a place for the Levites to live and serve (Joshua 21:16). This designation underscores its religious significance within the Israelite community.

Archaeological Significance

Excavations at Tel Beth-Shemesh have revealed layers of occupation dating back to the Canaanite period, through the Israelite monarchy, and into the Hellenistic era. Findings include fortifications, domestic structures, and artifacts that provide insight into the daily life and religious practices of its inhabitants. The archaeological evidence supports the biblical narrative of Bethshemesh as a border city with a complex history of cultural and military interactions.

Theological Implications

Bethshemesh serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and the consequences of disobedience. The events surrounding the Ark's return illustrate the holiness of God and the importance of reverence in worship. The city's history also reflects the broader themes of conflict and coexistence between Israel and its neighbors, highlighting the challenges of maintaining faithfulness amidst external pressures.

In summary, Bethshemesh is a multifaceted site with rich historical, religious, and cultural significance in the biblical narrative. Its account is woven into the larger tapestry of Israel's history, offering lessons on faith, obedience, and the sovereignty of God.Bethshemesh

(house of the sun).

1. One of the towns which marked the north boundary of Judah. (Joshua 15:10) It is now Ainshems , about two miles from the great Philistine plain, and seven from Ekron.
2. A city on the border of Issachar. (Joshua 19:22)
3. One of the "fenced cities" of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:38; Judges 1:33)
4. An idolatrous temple, or place in Egypt. (Jeremiah 43:13) In the middle ages Heliopolis was still called by the Arabs Ain Shems .

House of the sun.

(1.) A sacerdotal city in the tribe of Dan (Joshua 21:16; 1 Samuel 6:15), on the north border of Judah (Joshua 15:10). It was the scene of an encounter between Jehoash, king of Israel, and Amaziah, king of Judah, in which the latter was made prisoner (2 Kings 14:11, 13). It was afterwards taken by the Philistines (2 Chronicles 28:18). It is the modern ruined Arabic village `Ain-shems, on the north-west slopes of the mountains of Judah, 14 miles west of Jerusalem.

(2.) A city between Dothan and the Jordan, near the southern border of Issachar (Joshua 19:22), 7 1/2 miles south of Beth-shean. It is the modern Ain-esh-Shemsiyeh.

(3.) One of the fenced cities of Naphtali (Joshua 19:38), between Mount Tabor and the Jordan. Now Khurbet Shema, 3 miles west of Safed. But perhaps the same as No. 2.

(4.) An idol sanctuary in Egypt (Jeremiah 43:13); called by the Greeks Heliopolis, and by the Egyptians On (q.v.), Genesis 41:45.

BETH-SHEMESH

beth-she'-mesh, beth'-shemesh (beth-shemesh; Baithsamus, "house of the sun"): This name for a place doubtless arose in every instance from the presence of a sanctuary of the sun there. In accordance with the meaning and origin of the word, it is quite to be expected that there should be several places of this name in Bible lands, and the expectation is not disappointed. Analysis and comparison of the passages in the Bible where a Beth-shemesh is mentioned show four places of this name.

1. Beth-shemesh of Judah:

The first mention of a place by this name is in the description of the border of the territory of Judah (Joshua 15:10) which "went down to Beth-Shemesh." This topographical indication "down" puts the place toward the lowlands on the East or West side of Palestine, but does not indicate which. This point is clearly determined by the account of the return of the ark by the Philistine lords from Ekron (1 Samuel 6:9-19). They returned the ark to Beth-shemesh, the location of which they indicated by the remark that if their affliction was from Yahweh, the kine would bear the ark "by the way of its own border." The Philistines lay along the western border of Judah and the location of Beth-Shemesh of Judah is thus clearly fixed near the western lowland, close to the border between the territory of Judah and that claimed by the Philistines. This is confirmed by the account of the twelve officers of the commissariat of King Solomon. One of these, the son of Dekar, had a Beth-shemesh in his territory. By excluding the territory assigned to the other eleven officers, the territory of this son of Dekar is found to be in Judah and to lie along the Philistine border (1 Kings 4:9). A Philistine attack upon the border-land of Judah testifies to the same effect (2 Chronicles 28:18). Finally, the battle between Amaziah of Judah and Jehoash of Israel, who "looked one another in the face" at Beth-shemesh, puts Beth-Shemesh most probably near the border between Judah and Israel, which would locate it near the northern part of the western border of Judah's territo ry. In the assignment of cities to the Levites, Judah gave Beth-shemesh with its suburbs (Joshua 21:16). It has been identified with a good degree of certainty with the modern `Ain Shems.

It may be that Ir-shemesh, "city of the sun," and Har-cherec, "mount of the sun," refer to Beth-shemesh of Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41-43 1 Kings 4:9 Judges 1:33, 35). But the worship of the sun was so common and cities of this name so many in number that it would be hazardous to conclude with any assurance that because these three names refer to the same region they therefore refer to the same place.

2. Beth-shemesh of Issachar:

In the description of the tribal limits, it is said of Issachar (Joshua 19:22), "And the border reached to Tabor, and Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh; and the goings out of their border were at the Jordan." The description indicates that Beth-shemesh was in the eastern part of Issachar's territory. The exact location of the city is not known.

3. Beth-shemesh of Naphtali:

A Beth-shemesh is mentioned together with Beth-anath as cities of Naphtali (Joshua 19:38). There is no clear indication of the location of this city. Its association with Beth-anath may indicate that they were near each other in the central part of the tribal allotment. As at Gezer, another of the cities of the Levites the Canaanites were not driven out from Beth-shemesh.

4. Beth-shemesh "that is in the Land of Egypt":

A doom is pronounced upon "Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt" (Jeremiah 43:13). The Seventy identify it with Heliopolis. There is some uncertainty about this identification. If Beth-shemesh, "house of the sun," is here a description of Heliopolis, why does it not have the article? If it is a proper name, how does it come that a sanctuary in Egypt is called by a Hebrew name? It may be that the large number of Jews in Egypt with Jeremiah gave this Hebrew name to Heliopolis for use among themselves, Beth-shemesh. being a translation of Egyptian Perra as suggested by Griffith. Otherwise, Beth-shemesh. cannot have been Heliopolis, but must have been some other, at present unknown, place of Semitic worship. This latter view seems to be favored by Jeremiah's double threat: "He shall also break the pillars of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of Egypt shall he burn with fire" (save place). If Beth-shemesh were the "house of the sun," then the balancing of the state ment would be only between "pillars" and "houses," but it seems more naturally to be between Beth-shemesh, a Semitic place of worship "that is in the land of Egypt" on the one hand, and the Egyptian place of worship, "the houses of the gods of Egypt," on the other.

But the Seventy lived in Egypt and in their interpretation of this passage were probably guided by accurate knowledge of facts unknown now, such as surviving names, tradition and even written history. Until there is further light on the subject, it is better to accept their interpretation and identify this Beth-shemesh with Heliopolis.

See ON.

M. G. Kyle

1030. Beth-hashshimshi -- an inhabitant of Bethshemesh
... an inhabitant of Bethshemesh. Transliteration: Beth-hashshimshi Phonetic Spelling:
(bayth hash-shim-shee') Short Definition: Beth-shemite. ...
/hebrew/1030.htm - 6k

The Ark among the Philistines
... If it goes on the way to its own border, to Bethshemesh, then it is Jehovah who
has done us this great harm; but if not, then we shall know that it is not he ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the ark among the philistines.htm

The King --Continued.
... It had been welcomed with gladness by the villagers of Bethshemesh, who lifted their
eyes from their harvest work, and saw it borne up the glen from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xi the kingcontinued.htm

The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon
... Now there was a certain village of the tribe of Judah, the name of which was
Bethshemesh, and to that village did the kine go; and though there was a great and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the destruction that.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then He hath
done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not His ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... As the men of Bethshemesh were smitten with death when they dared to lift up the
lid of the ark and look into its sacred mysteries, so is it often death to our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

Adam's Sin
... He meddled with that which was out of his sphere, and did not belong to him. God
smote the men of Bethshemesh for looking into the ark. 1 Samuel 6:19. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

The Rent Veil
... look into the holiest when the veil was rent, they were among the boldest of men;
for others must have feared lest the fate of the men of Bethshemesh would be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the rent veil.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... Most probably it is the Timnah near Bethshemesh, on the north frontier of Judah,
in the neighbourhood, that is, of many of the other localities mentioned in ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... As with the kine of Bethshemesh, some hidden power takes him in a course
quite contrary to all the ties or calls of mere nature. ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm

The Doctrine of God
... 28). In the story of Moses' approach to the burning bush, the smiting of
the men at Bethshemesh, the boundary set about Mt. Sinai ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences)
...Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences). ... (KJV). Joshua 19:38 And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem,
and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. (KJV). ...
/b/bethshemesh.htm - 19k

Bethanath (2 Occurrences)
... BETH-ANATH. beth-a'-nath (beth`anath; Bainathath): A city in the territory of Naphtali,
named with Horem and Bethshemesh (Joshua 19:38 Judges 1:33). ...
/b/bethanath.htm - 7k

Tributaries (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:33 Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the
inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants ...
/t/tributaries.htm - 7k

Belongeth (36 Occurrences)
... Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked
one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah. ...
/b/belongeth.htm - 17k

Kine (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and
went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right ...
/k/kine.htm - 16k

Beth-she'an (5 Occurrences)
Beth-she'an. Beth-shean, Beth-she'an. Bethshemesh . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Beth-shean, Beth-she'an. Bethshemesh . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-she'an.htm - 8k

Coast (70 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:22 And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and
the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their ...
/c/coast.htm - 31k

Brake (80 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of
Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake ...
/b/brake.htm - 34k

Covenant (309 Occurrences)
... these to regard the possession of the ark as a calamity (1 Samuel 5) and they sent
it back to Israel (1 Samuel 6). It was brought first to Bethshemesh in the ...
/c/covenant.htm - 101k

On (40792 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Light; the sun, (Genesis 41:45, 50), the great seat of
sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jeremiah 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. ...
/o/on.htm - 17k

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