Etymology and Meaning:
Beth-cherem, meaning "House of the Vineyard" in Hebrew, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name suggests a place associated with vineyards, which were common in the hilly regions of ancient Judah.

Biblical References:
Beth-cherem is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 6:1 , the prophet warns the people of Benjamin to flee from Jerusalem and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, raising a signal over Beth-cherem: "Flee for safety, O sons of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa; raise a signal over Beth-cherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction."

Geographical Location:
Beth-cherem is believed to have been located in the hill country of Judah, south of Jerusalem. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is often associated with the modern site of Ramat Rachel, which is situated approximately 5 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The strategic position of Beth-cherem on a hill made it an ideal location for a signal station, as indicated by the biblical text.

Historical and Cultural Context:
During the time of Jeremiah, Beth-cherem would have been part of the Kingdom of Judah. The reference to raising a signal over Beth-cherem suggests its role as a lookout or warning point, possibly due to its elevation and visibility. This aligns with the historical context of the impending Babylonian invasion, as Jeremiah prophesied the coming destruction from the north.

Archaeological Insights:
While direct archaeological evidence for Beth-cherem is limited, excavations at Ramat Rachel have uncovered significant remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the time of Jeremiah. These findings include fortifications, administrative buildings, and storage facilities, indicating the area's importance as a strategic and administrative center.

Theological Significance:
Beth-cherem's mention in the context of Jeremiah's prophecy highlights the urgency and seriousness of the warning given to the people of Judah. It serves as a reminder of the impending judgment due to the nation's disobedience and the need for repentance. The use of a signal station underscores the theme of vigilance and preparedness in the face of divine judgment.

Conclusion:
Beth-cherem, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, plays a significant role in the narrative of Jeremiah's prophecies. Its strategic location and the imagery of raising a signal contribute to the urgency of the prophet's message, emphasizing the need for awareness and action in response to God's warnings.

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... were defiled. 4. Both the stones of the sloping ascent and those of the
altar were from the valley of Beth Cherem. And they dug ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Beth-cherem (2 Occurrences)
Beth-cherem. Beth-car, Beth-cherem. Bethdagan . Multi-Version
Concordance Beth-cherem (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 3:14 ...
/b/beth-cherem.htm - 7k

Beth-hacche'rem (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:14 And the dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler
of the district of Beth-cherem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the ...
/b/beth-hacche'rem.htm - 7k

Looms (2 Occurrences)
... yourselves under covert, ye children of Benjamin, away from the midst of Jerusalem,
and blow the horn in Tekoa, and set up a signal on Beth-cherem; for evil ...
/l/looms.htm - 6k

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
... yourselves under covert, ye children of Benjamin, away from the midst of Jerusalem,
and blow the horn in Tekoa, and set up a signal on Beth-cherem; for evil ...
/t/teko'a.htm - 9k

Recab (12 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:14 And the dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler
of the district of Beth-cherem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the ...
/r/recab.htm - 10k

Malchi'jah (12 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:14 And the dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler
of the district of Beth-cherem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the ...
/m/malchi'jah.htm - 9k

Malkijah (13 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:14 And the dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler
of the district of Beth-cherem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the ...
/m/malkijah.htm - 10k

Bethdagan

/b/bethdagan.htm - 7k

Beth-car (1 Occurrence)
Beth-car. Bethcar, Beth-car. Beth-cherem . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (ASV BBE
DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS RSV). Bethcar, Beth-car. Beth-cherem . Reference Bible
/b/beth-car.htm - 7k

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