Aven: Beth-Aven
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Introduction:
Beth-Aven, often simply referred to as Aven, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name "Beth-Aven" translates to "house of wickedness" or "house of vanity," reflecting its negative connotations in the biblical narrative. It is primarily associated with idolatry and false worship, serving as a symbol of Israel's spiritual infidelity.

Biblical References:
Beth-Aven is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament, particularly in the context of Israel's apostasy and judgment. The primary references to Beth-Aven can be found in the books of Joshua, 1 Samuel, and Hosea.

1. Joshua 7:2 (BSB): "Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-Aven, east of Bethel, and told them, 'Go up and spy out the land.' So the men went up and spied out Ai." In this passage, Beth-Aven is geographically located near Ai and Bethel, serving as a point of reference for military activities during the conquest of Canaan.

2. 1 Samuel 13:5 (BSB): "Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-Aven." Here, Beth-Aven is mentioned in the context of a Philistine military encampment, highlighting its strategic significance.

3. Hosea 4:15 (BSB): "Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, let not Judah become guilty. Do not go to Gilgal; do not go up to Beth-Aven, and do not swear on oath, 'As surely as the LORD lives!'" In this prophetic warning, Beth-Aven is used symbolically to represent places of idolatrous worship, urging Israel to avoid such locations.

4. Hosea 10:5 (BSB): "The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-Aven. Indeed, its people will mourn for it, and its idolatrous priests will cry out over it—over its glory, because it has departed from them." This verse underscores Beth-Aven's association with idol worship, specifically the golden calf, and the impending judgment upon those who engage in such practices.

Historical and Theological Significance:
Beth-Aven's significance lies in its representation of Israel's spiritual decline and the consequences of turning away from the worship of Yahweh. The name itself, "house of wickedness," serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the moral corruption that accompanies it. Throughout the biblical narrative, Beth-Aven is consistently portrayed as a place to be avoided, a symbol of the false worship that led to Israel's downfall.

Theologically, Beth-Aven serves as a cautionary tale for the faithful, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to God's commandments and avoiding the allure of false gods. It highlights the recurring theme of covenant faithfulness and the need for repentance and return to the Lord.

Geographical Context:
Beth-Aven is situated in the central highlands of ancient Israel, near the more prominent city of Bethel. Its proximity to Bethel, a significant religious site, further accentuates the contrast between true worship and the idolatrous practices associated with Beth-Aven. The exact location of Beth-Aven remains uncertain, but its mention alongside known sites like Ai and Bethel provides a general understanding of its geographical context.

Conclusion:
Beth-Aven, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. Its repeated mention in the context of judgment and warning underscores the biblical call to reject false worship and remain steadfast in devotion to the one true God.
Nave's Topical Index
Hosea 10:8
The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
1007b. Beth Aven -- "house of iniquity," a place in Benjamin
... "house of iniquity," a place in Benjamin. Transliteration: Beth Aven Short Definition:
Beth-aven. Word Origin from bayith and aven Definition "house of iniquity ...
/hebrew/1007b.htm - 5k

1007. Beyth 'Aven -- between
... Beth-aven From bayith and 'aven; house of vanity; Beth- Aven, a place in Palestine --
Beth-aven. see HEBREW bayith. see HEBREW 'aven. 1006b, 1007. ...
/hebrew/1007.htm - 5k

Library

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 11-20 Chapter 20 Beth-el. Beth-aven. ...
do not a little trifle. Sometimes it is called Beth-aven. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 20 beth-el beth-aven.htm

'Fruit which is Death'
... field.5. The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven:
for the ... as the foam upon the water.8. The high places also of Aven, the sin ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fruit which is death.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 19 The northern coast of Judea. Beth-horon. Chapter 20 Beth-el. Beth-aven.
A Chorographical Century. Chapters 21-30. Chapter 21 Jerusalem. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... little hints which shews that the story is true, written by a man who knew the
place"who had probably been in the great battle of Beth-aven, which followed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel.2. And
Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on the east ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces." "The
inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven: for the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

Of Orders.
... a kind of living images, having the name of priests, but very far from being really
so; such priests as those whom Jeroboam ordained in Beth-aven, taken from ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/first principles of the reformation/of orders.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
... Wherefore I would warn these princes of Babylon and bishops of Beth-aven to abstain
from reserving cases of any kind whatever, but to allow the freest ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of penance.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The golden calves at Dan and Bethel are referred to by Amos (viii.14) and Hosea
(x.5), where Bethel is called Beth-aven; as to the golden calf at Samaria, cf. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Resources
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Subtopics

Aven

Aven: "The Plain of the Sun"

Aven: Another Name for On

Aven: Beth-Aven

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Aven: Another Name for On
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