Biblical Reference:
Zarethshahar is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The specific reference is found in Joshua 13:19: "Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley," .

Location and Geography:
Zarethshahar is described as being "on the hill in the valley," indicating a location that is elevated yet situated within a broader valley region. This description suggests a strategic position, possibly providing a vantage point over the surrounding area. The exact modern location of Zarethshahar is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to have been situated east of the Jordan River, within the territory historically associated with the tribe of Reuben. This area is part of the region known as the Transjordan, which includes parts of modern-day Jordan.

Historical Context:
The allocation of Zarethshahar to the tribe of Reuben occurred during the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, as led by Joshua. This division followed the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land for his descendants. The tribe of Reuben, along with Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River, a decision made during the leadership of Moses (Numbers 32).

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Zarethshahar, like other cities mentioned in the tribal allotments, represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs. The distribution of land to the tribes of Israel is a significant event in biblical history, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation. Each city and region, including Zarethshahar, played a role in the daily life and governance of the tribes, contributing to the cultural and religious identity of the Israelites.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly linked to Zarethshahar, the broader region of the Transjordan has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies have provided insights into the ancient cultures and settlements that existed during the biblical period. Artifacts and ruins from nearby sites help to construct a picture of life in the area during the time of the Israelite settlement.

Reuben's Inheritance:
The tribe of Reuben, as the firstborn of Jacob, held a unique position among the tribes of Israel. However, due to Reuben's transgression against his father Jacob (Genesis 35:22), his tribe did not receive the preeminent blessing typically associated with the firstborn. Instead, Reuben's inheritance was characterized by its location east of the Jordan, which, while fertile and strategically significant, was somewhat isolated from the main body of Israelite tribes west of the Jordan.

Conclusion:
Zarethshahar, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, is part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan for His people. Its mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites as they settled in the land promised to their forefathers.Zarethshahar

(splendor of the dawn), a place mentioned only in (Joshua 13:19) in the catalogue of the towns allotted to Reuben.

The splendour of the dawn, a city "in the mount of the valley" (Joshua 13:19). It is identified with the ruins of Zara, near the mouth of the Wady Zerka Main, on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, some 3 miles south of the Callirrhoe. Of this town but little remains. "A few broken basaltic columns and pieces of wall about 200 yards back from the shore, and a ruined fort rather nearer the sea, about the middle of the coast line of the plain, are all that are left" (Tristram's Land of Moab). Zarethshahar (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zarethshahar (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:19 And Kirjathaim,
and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley, (KJV). ...
/z/zarethshahar.htm - 7k

Zar'ethan (1 Occurrence)
Zar'ethan. Zarethan, Zar'ethan. Zarethshahar . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Zarethan, Zar'ethan. Zarethshahar . Reference Bible.
/z/zar'ethan.htm - 6k

Zareth-shahar (1 Occurrence)
Zareth-shahar. Zarethshahar, Zareth-shahar. Zarezthshahar . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Zarethshahar, Zareth-shahar. Zarezthshahar . Reference Bible.
/z/zareth-shahar.htm - 7k

Kirjathaim (6 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS YLT). Joshua 13:19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in
the mount of the valley, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 6 ...
/k/kirjathaim.htm - 9k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus