Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The term "Shemesh" is derived from the Hebrew word for "sun." It is often used in the context of place names in the Bible, signifying locations associated with the sun or sun worship. The name reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of naming places after celestial bodies, which were often deified in surrounding cultures. Biblical References and Locations: 1. Beth-Shemesh: Beth-Shemesh, meaning "House of the Sun," is a significant location mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament. It was a Levitical city within the territory of Judah, situated near the border with the Philistines. The city is notably referenced in the context of the return of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. After suffering plagues, the Philistines sent the Ark back to Israel on a cart, which came to rest in the field of Joshua of Beth-Shemesh (1 Samuel 6:12-15). The men of Beth-Shemesh, however, were struck down for looking into the Ark, demonstrating the holiness and power of God (1 Samuel 6:19). 2. Ir-Shemesh: Ir-Shemesh, meaning "City of the Sun," is mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:41). It is considered to be another name for Beth-Shemesh or a nearby location, reflecting the common practice of naming places after the sun. 3. En-Shemesh: En-Shemesh, meaning "Spring of the Sun," is a location mentioned in the delineation of the tribal boundaries of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7, 18:17). It is identified with a spring or water source, emphasizing the life-giving properties associated with the sun. Cultural and Religious Significance: In the ancient Near East, the sun was often associated with deities and worshiped as a source of life and power. While the Israelites were commanded to worship Yahweh alone, the presence of sun-related names in their geography indicates the cultural influences and the challenges they faced in maintaining monotheistic worship. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the supremacy of Yahweh over any celestial bodies, as seen in the prohibitions against sun worship (Deuteronomy 4:19). Theological Implications: The incidents at Beth-Shemesh highlight the holiness of God and the importance of reverence and obedience to His commands. The return of the Ark and the subsequent judgment on the men of Beth-Shemesh serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for His people to approach Him with respect and awe. The narrative underscores the distinction between the worship of the Creator and the creation, a central theme in the biblical worldview. Archaeological Insights: Archaeological excavations at sites identified with Beth-Shemesh have revealed evidence of ancient occupation, including fortifications and artifacts that provide insight into the city's historical and cultural context. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biblical narrative and the historical setting of the events described in Scripture. Conclusion: The references to Shemesh in the Bible, whether as part of place names or in the context of events, serve to illustrate the interaction between the Israelites and their surrounding cultures. They also reinforce the biblical themes of God's holiness, the importance of obedience, and the rejection of idolatry. Strong's Hebrew 5885. En Shemesh -- "spring of (the) sun," a place on the border ...En Shemesh. 5884, 5885. En Shemesh. 5886 . "spring of (the) sun," a place on the border between Judah and Benjamin. Transliteration ... /hebrew/5885.htm - 6k 5905. Ir Shemesh -- "city of the sun," a city in Dan 1053. Beth Shemesh -- "sun temple," three places in Palestine ... 8121. shemesh -- sun 8120. shemash -- to minister 8125. Shamsheray -- a Benjamite 8123. Shimshon -- a deliverer of Isr. 8122. shemash -- sun 3996. mabo -- entrance, a coming in, entering 8124. Shimshay -- a scribe who opposed Isr. Library Importance of Small Things in Religion Antipatris. Caphar Salama. Repentance and victory The Old Testament and Archeology Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Thesaurus Shemesh (24 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Shemesh (24 Occurrences). Joshua ... river. The border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and ended at En Rogel. ... /s/shemesh.htm - 14k En-shemesh (2 Occurrences) Ir-shemesh (1 Occurrence) Beth-shemesh (19 Occurrences) Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences) Kiriathjearim Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Sunworship Sun (1708 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about sun worship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shemesh (24 Occurrences)Joshua 15:7 Joshua 15:10 Joshua 18:17 Joshua 19:22 Joshua 19:38 Joshua 19:41 Joshua 21:16 Judges 1:33 1 Samuel 6:9 1 Samuel 6:12 1 Samuel 6:13 1 Samuel 6:14 1 Samuel 6:15 1 Samuel 6:18 1 Samuel 6:19 1 Samuel 6:20 1 Kings 4:9 2 Kings 14:11 2 Kings 14:13 1 Chronicles 6:59 2 Chronicles 25:21 2 Chronicles 25:23 2 Chronicles 28:18 Jeremiah 43:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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