Etymology and Meaning
Beth-eked, meaning "house of binding" or "house of the shepherds," is a location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name suggests a place associated with gathering or binding, possibly related to agricultural or pastoral activities.

Biblical References
Beth-eked is mentioned in the context of the events following the fall of the house of Ahab. The specific reference to Beth-eked is found in 2 Kings 10:12-14. In this passage, Jehu, who was anointed king of Israel, is executing judgment on the house of Ahab as part of fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's lineage.

Scriptural Account
In 2 Kings 10:12-14 , the narrative describes Jehu's journey to Samaria. On his way, he encounters relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah, at Beth-eked of the Shepherds. The passage reads:

"Then Jehu set out and went toward Samaria. At Beth-eked of the Shepherds, he met the relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, 'Who are you?' They answered, 'We are relatives of Ahaziah, and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and the sons of the queen mother.' 'Take them alive!' Jehu ordered. So they took them alive and slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them."

Historical and Geographical Context
Beth-eked is described as a location on the route to Samaria, indicating its position within the northern kingdom of Israel. The term "of the Shepherds" suggests a pastoral setting, possibly a place where shepherds gathered or a landmark known to those traveling through the region.

Theological Significance
The events at Beth-eked highlight the fulfillment of divine judgment as prophesied by Elijah against the house of Ahab. Jehu's actions, though violent, are seen as part of God's sovereign plan to cleanse Israel of idolatry and the influence of Ahab's dynasty. This passage underscores themes of divine justice and the seriousness of covenant faithfulness.

Cultural and Religious Insights
The encounter at Beth-eked reflects the complex political and familial ties between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The relatives of Ahaziah, unaware of the political upheaval, become casualties in the broader divine judgment against Ahab's house. This incident illustrates the interconnectedness of the two kingdoms and the far-reaching consequences of Ahab's apostasy.

Conclusion
Beth-eked serves as a significant location in the narrative of Jehu's rise to power and the execution of divine judgment. Its mention in the biblical text provides insight into the historical and theological context of the period, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the eradication of idolatrous influences in Israel.1044. Beth-eqed -- "house of binding," a place in Palestine
... Beth-eqed. 1045 . "house of binding," a place in Palestine. Transliteration:
Beth-eqed Phonetic Spelling: (bayth ay'-ked) Short Definition: Beth-eked. ...
/hebrew/1044.htm - 6kBeth-eked (2 Occurrences)
Beth-eked. Beth-eden, Beth-eked. Bethel . Multi-Version Concordance
Beth-eked (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 10:12 He arose ...
/b/beth-eked.htm - 6k

Water-hole (25 Occurrences)
... So they took them living, and put them to death in the water-hole of
Beth-eked; of the forty-two men he put every one to death; (BBE). ...
/w/water-hole.htm - 14k

Eked (2 Occurrences)
... So they took them living, and put them to death in the water-hole of Beth-eked;
of the forty-two men he put every one to death; (BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/eked.htm - 7k

Beth-eden (1 Occurrence)
Beth-eden. Betheden, Beth-eden. Beth-eked . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(DBY JPS YLT NAS RSV). Betheden, Beth-eden. Beth-eked . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-eden.htm - 7k

Shearinghouse
... two and forty men" of the royal family of Judah. The Hebrews word
Beth-eked so rendered is supposed by some to be a proper name. ...
/s/shearinghouse.htm - 6k

Shearing-house (2 Occurrences)
... The Hebrews word Beth-eked so rendered is supposed by some to be a proper name.
Multi-Version Concordance Shearing-house (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/shearing-house.htm - 7k

Bethel (67 Occurrences)

/b/bethel.htm - 38k

Beth (115 Occurrences)
... So they took them living, and put them to death in the water-hole of Beth-eked;
of the forty-two men he put every one to death; (BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/beth.htm - 40k

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