Beth-Pelet
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Etymology and Meaning:
Beth-pelet, meaning "House of Escape" or "House of Refuge," is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name reflects a place of safety or deliverance, which is consistent with its historical and geographical significance.

Biblical References:
Beth-pelet is mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua and the post-exilic period in the Book of Nehemiah. In Joshua 15:27, Beth-pelet is listed among the cities in the southern part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah: "Hazar-gaddah, Heshmon, Beth-pelet." This indicates its inclusion in the inheritance of Judah, highlighting its importance within the tribal boundaries.

In Nehemiah 11:26, Beth-pelet is mentioned again as part of the settlements of the people of Judah after the Babylonian exile: "And at Jeshua, Moladah, Beth-pelet." This reference underscores its continued habitation and significance during the period of restoration and rebuilding under Nehemiah's leadership.

Geographical Location:
Beth-pelet is believed to have been located in the Negev region, south of Hebron. The exact location remains uncertain, but it is generally associated with the arid southern part of ancient Judah. The Negev was a region characterized by its desert landscape, making any settlement there a strategic point for refuge and survival.

Historical and Cultural Context:
As a city within the territory of Judah, Beth-pelet would have been part of the broader cultural and religious life of the Israelite tribes. The mention of Beth-pelet in both the conquest narratives and the post-exilic period suggests its enduring presence and possibly its role as a place of refuge or strategic importance.

The Negev region, where Beth-pelet was located, was a frontier area that required resilience and adaptability from its inhabitants. The cities in this region often served as outposts or centers for trade and defense, contributing to the stability and security of the southern borders of Judah.

Theological Significance:
Beth-pelet's inclusion in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the tribal allotments and the return from exile, reflects the themes of God's faithfulness and provision. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel was a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, and the restoration of these lands after the exile demonstrated His ongoing commitment to His people.

The name "House of Escape" or "House of Refuge" can also be seen as a metaphor for God's protection and deliverance. Throughout the biblical narrative, God is portrayed as a refuge for His people, providing safety and security in times of trouble. Beth-pelet, as a physical location, embodies this spiritual truth, reminding believers of God's unwavering care and shelter.

Archaeological Insights:
While the precise location of Beth-pelet has not been definitively identified, archaeological studies in the Negev region continue to provide insights into the life and culture of ancient Judah. Excavations have revealed settlements, fortifications, and artifacts that shed light on the challenges and adaptations of those who lived in this arid landscape.

These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical context of Beth-pelet and its role within the broader narrative of Israel's history. The ongoing exploration of the Negev region holds the potential for further discoveries that may illuminate the life and significance of Beth-pelet in biblical times.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-PELET

beth-pe'-let (beth-peleT; Baithphaleth, "house of escape"; the King James Version Beth-palet; Joshua 15:27, Beth-phelet, the King James Version Nehemiah 11:26): One of "the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the (Negeb) South" (Joshua 15:21, 27). Site unknown.

Strong's Hebrew
1046. Beth Palet -- "place of escape," a place in S. Judah
... Beth Palet. 1047 . "place of escape," a place in S. Judah. Transliteration: Beth
Palet Phonetic Spelling: (bayth peh'-let) Short Definition: Beth-pelet. ...
/hebrew/1046.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Bethpelet
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-PELET. beth-pe'-let (beth-peleT;
Baithphaleth, "house of escape"; the King James Version Beth ...
/b/bethpelet.htm - 6k

Beth-pelet (2 Occurrences)
Beth-pelet. Bethpelet, Beth-pelet. Beth-pel'et . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-PELET. ... Bethpelet, Beth-pelet. Beth-pel'et . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-pelet.htm - 7k

Pelet (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pelet (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:27 Hazar Gaddah,
Heshmon, BethPelet, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). 1 ...
/p/pelet.htm - 8k

Beth-pel'et (1 Occurrence)
Beth-pel'et. Beth-pelet, Beth-pel'et. Bethpeor . ... Beth-pel'et (1 Occurrence).
Joshua 15:27 and Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth-pelet; (See RSV). ...
/b/beth-pel'et.htm - 6k

Gaddah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gaddah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:27 Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon,
BethPelet, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/g/gaddah.htm - 6k

Moladah (4 Occurrences)
... BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 11:26 and in Jeshua, and in Moladah,
and BethPelet, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/moladah.htm - 8k

Mola'dah (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:28 And they dwelt at Beer-sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual; (See
RSV). Nehemiah 11:26 and in Jeshua, and in Moladah, and Beth-pelet; (See RSV) ...
/m/mola'dah.htm - 7k

Paltite (1 Occurrence)
... The word may be given as a patronymic of Palti, or it may designate a native of
the village of Beth-pelet mentioned in Joshua 15:27 and Nehemiah 11:26 as being ...
/p/paltite.htm - 7k

Beth-paz'zez (1 Occurrence)
Beth-paz'zez. Beth-pazzez, Beth-paz'zez. Bethpelet . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Beth-pazzez, Beth-paz'zez. Bethpelet . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-paz'zez.htm - 6k

Heshmon (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Heshmon (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:27 Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon,
BethPelet, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/heshmon.htm - 7k

Resources
Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Beth-pelet (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:27
and Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth-pelet,
(ASV BBE DBY JPS NAS)

Nehemiah 11:26
and in Jeshua, and in Moladah, and Beth-pelet,
(ASV BBE JPS NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Beth-Pelet

Related Terms

Bethpeor (4 Occurrences)

Beth-pelet (2 Occurrences)

Bethpelet
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