Beth-shemesh, meaning "House of the Sun," is a significant biblical city mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. It is located in the territory of Judah, near the border with the tribe of Dan, and is identified with the modern site of Tell er-Rumeileh. The city holds historical and religious importance, particularly in the narratives involving the Ark of the Covenant and the Levitical cities.

Geographical and Historical Context

Beth-shemesh is situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, approximately 15 miles west of Jerusalem. Its strategic location made it a vital city during the period of the Judges and the monarchy. The city served as a border town between the Philistines and the Israelites, often finding itself at the center of conflict between these two groups.

Biblical References

1. The Ark of the Covenant: One of the most notable events associated with Beth-shemesh is the return of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. After the Ark had caused devastation in Philistine cities, they decided to send it back to Israel. The Ark arrived at Beth-shemesh, where the people were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. The men of Beth-shemesh rejoiced at the sight of the Ark and offered sacrifices to the Lord. However, due to their irreverence in looking into the Ark, the Lord struck down many of the inhabitants. The account is recorded in 1 Samuel 6:12-19: "The cows went straight up the road to Beth-shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing as they went; they did not turn to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh."

2. Levitical City: Beth-shemesh was designated as one of the Levitical cities, as mentioned in Joshua 21:16. It was allocated to the descendants of Aaron, the priestly line, and served as a city of refuge and religious center for the surrounding region.

3. Conflict with the Philistines: The city is also mentioned in the context of military engagements. In 2 Kings 14:11-13, King Amaziah of Judah challenged King Jehoash of Israel, and they faced each other in battle at Beth-shemesh. The battle resulted in the defeat of Amaziah, and Jehoash captured him, proceeding to Jerusalem to break down part of its wall.

4. Solomon's Districts: During the reign of King Solomon, Beth-shemesh was included in one of the administrative districts for the provision of supplies for the king's household, as noted in 1 Kings 4:9.

Archaeological Significance

Archaeological excavations at Tell er-Rumeileh have uncovered significant findings that corroborate the biblical narrative. The site has revealed remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which align with the time of the Judges and the United Monarchy. These findings provide insight into the city's role as a fortified settlement and its interactions with neighboring regions.

Religious and Cultural Importance

Beth-shemesh's association with the Ark of the Covenant underscores its religious significance in Israel's history. The city's role as a Levitical city highlights its importance in the spiritual life of the nation, serving as a center for worship and religious instruction. The events at Beth-shemesh serve as a reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching sacred objects and practices.

In summary, Beth-shemesh is a city rich in biblical history, serving as a focal point for religious, military, and cultural events in ancient Israel. Its legacy continues to be a subject of study and reflection for those interested in the historical and spiritual heritage of the Bible.Beth-Shemesh

house of the sun

Beth-Shemesh

House of the sun,

1. A city of Judah given to the priests, Joshua 21:16 1 Chronicles 6:59 1 Samuel 6:15. It lay fifteen miles west of Jerusalem, near the border of Dan and of the Philistines, Joshua 15:10 1 Samuel 6:12. Probably the same as Irshemesh, Joshua 19:41. It is memorable for a battle between Judah and Israel, in which Amaziah was defeated, 2 Kings 14:12-14; and for the return of the ark from among the Philistines, and the punishment of those who then profaned it, 1 Samuel 6:1-21. There is reason to suppose the numbers in 1 Samuel 6:19 should be translated "threescore and ten men, even fifty out of one thousand," or one in two hundred of the men of the city.

2. A celebrated city in Egypt, Jeremiah 43:13.

House of the sun.

(1.) A sacerdotal city in the tribe of Dan (Joshua 21:16; 1 Samuel 6:15), on the north border of Judah (Joshua 15:10). It was the scene of an encounter between Jehoash, king of Israel, and Amaziah, king of Judah, in which the latter was made prisoner (2 Kings 14:11, 13). It was afterwards taken by the Philistines (2 Chronicles 28:18). It is the modern ruined Arabic village `Ain-shems, on the north-west slopes of the mountains of Judah, 14 miles west of Jerusalem.

(2.) A city between Dothan and the Jordan, near the southern border of Issachar (Joshua 19:22), 7 1/2 miles south of Beth-shean. It is the modern Ain-esh-Shemsiyeh.

(3.) One of the fenced cities of Naphtali (Joshua 19:38), between Mount Tabor and the Jordan. Now Khurbet Shema, 3 miles west of Safed. But perhaps the same as No. 2.

(4.) An idol sanctuary in Egypt (Jeremiah 43:13); called by the Greeks Heliopolis, and by the Egyptians On (q.v.), Genesis 41:45.

BETH-SHEMESH

beth-she'-mesh, beth'-shemesh (beth-shemesh; Baithsamus, "house of the sun"): This name for a place doubtless arose in every instance from the presence of a sanctuary of the sun there. In accordance with the meaning and origin of the word, it is quite to be expected that there should be several places of this name in Bible lands, and the expectation is not disappointed. Analysis and comparison of the passages in the Bible where a Beth-shemesh is mentioned show four places of this name.

1. Beth-shemesh of Judah:

The first mention of a place by this name is in the description of the border of the territory of Judah (Joshua 15:10) which "went down to Beth-Shemesh." This topographical indication "down" puts the place toward the lowlands on the East or West side of Palestine, but does not indicate which. This point is clearly determined by the account of the return of the ark by the Philistine lords from Ekron (1 Samuel 6:9-19). They returned the ark to Beth-shemesh, the location of which they indicated by the remark that if their affliction was from Yahweh, the kine would bear the ark "by the way of its own border." The Philistines lay along the western border of Judah and the location of Beth-Shemesh of Judah is thus clearly fixed near the western lowland, close to the border between the territory of Judah and that claimed by the Philistines. This is confirmed by the account of the twelve officers of the commissariat of King Solomon. One of these, the son of Dekar, had a Beth-shemesh in his territory. By excluding the territory assigned to the other eleven officers, the territory of this son of Dekar is found to be in Judah and to lie along the Philistine border (1 Kings 4:9). A Philistine attack upon the border-land of Judah testifies to the same effect (2 Chronicles 28:18). Finally, the battle between Amaziah of Judah and Jehoash of Israel, who "looked one another in the face" at Beth-shemesh, puts Beth-Shemesh most probably near the border between Judah and Israel, which would locate it near the northern part of the western border of Judah's territo ry. In the assignment of cities to the Levites, Judah gave Beth-shemesh with its suburbs (Joshua 21:16). It has been identified with a good degree of certainty with the modern `Ain Shems.

It may be that Ir-shemesh, "city of the sun," and Har-cherec, "mount of the sun," refer to Beth-shemesh of Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41-43 1 Kings 4:9 Judges 1:33, 35). But the worship of the sun was so common and cities of this name so many in number that it would be hazardous to conclude with any assurance that because these three names refer to the same region they therefore refer to the same place.

2. Beth-shemesh of Issachar:

In the description of the tribal limits, it is said of Issachar (Joshua 19:22), "And the border reached to Tabor, and Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh; and the goings out of their border were at the Jordan." The description indicates that Beth-shemesh was in the eastern part of Issachar's territory. The exact location of the city is not known.

3. Beth-shemesh of Naphtali:

A Beth-shemesh is mentioned together with Beth-anath as cities of Naphtali (Joshua 19:38). There is no clear indication of the location of this city. Its association with Beth-anath may indicate that they were near each other in the central part of the tribal allotment. As at Gezer, another of the cities of the Levites the Canaanites were not driven out from Beth-shemesh.

4. Beth-shemesh "that is in the Land of Egypt":

A doom is pronounced upon "Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt" (Jeremiah 43:13). The Seventy identify it with Heliopolis. There is some uncertainty about this identification. If Beth-shemesh, "house of the sun," is here a description of Heliopolis, why does it not have the article? If it is a proper name, how does it come that a sanctuary in Egypt is called by a Hebrew name? It may be that the large number of Jews in Egypt with Jeremiah gave this Hebrew name to Heliopolis for use among themselves, Beth-shemesh. being a translation of Egyptian Perra as suggested by Griffith. Otherwise, Beth-shemesh. cannot have been Heliopolis, but must have been some other, at present unknown, place of Semitic worship. This latter view seems to be favored by Jeremiah's double threat: "He shall also break the pillars of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of Egypt shall he burn with fire" (save place). If Beth-shemesh were the "house of the sun," then the balancing of the state ment would be only between "pillars" and "houses," but it seems more naturally to be between Beth-shemesh, a Semitic place of worship "that is in the land of Egypt" on the one hand, and the Egyptian place of worship, "the houses of the gods of Egypt," on the other.

But the Seventy lived in Egypt and in their interpretation of this passage were probably guided by accurate knowledge of facts unknown now, such as surviving names, tradition and even written history. Until there is further light on the subject, it is better to accept their interpretation and identify this Beth-shemesh with Heliopolis.

See ON.

M. G. Kyle

1053. Beth Shemesh -- "sun temple," three places in Palestine ...
Beth Shemesh. 1052, 1053. Beth Shemesh. 1054 . "sun temple," three
places in Palestine, also a place in Egypt. Transliteration ...
/hebrew/1053.htm - 6k

1030. Beth-hashshimshi -- an inhabitant of Bethshemesh
... an inhabitant of Bethshemesh. Transliteration: Beth-hashshimshi Phonetic Spelling:
(bayth hash-shim-shee') Short Definition: Beth-shemite. ...
/hebrew/1030.htm - 6k

The Ark among the Philistines
... If it goes on the way to its own border, to Bethshemesh, then it is Jehovah who
has done us this great harm; but if not, then we shall know that it is not he ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the ark among the philistines.htm

The King --Continued.
... It had been welcomed with gladness by the villagers of Bethshemesh, who lifted their
eyes from their harvest work, and saw it borne up the glen from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xi the kingcontinued.htm

The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon
... Now there was a certain village of the tribe of Judah, the name of which was
Bethshemesh, and to that village did the kine go; and though there was a great and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the destruction that.htm

Importance of Small Things in Religion
... Placing the terrible captive upon a new cart, they left the oxen to bear it as they
pleased, and by divine providence the ark was carried to Beth-shemesh. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/importance of small things in.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then He hath
done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not His ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... As the men of Bethshemesh were smitten with death when they dared to lift up the
lid of the ark and look into its sacred mysteries, so is it often death to our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

Antipatris. Caphar Salama.
... the Gemarists, "From Gebath to Antipatris."""From Gebath to Antipatris (say they)
were sixty myriads of cities, the least of which was Beth-Shemesh." We do ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 58 antipatris caphar salama.htm

Repentance and victory
... The ark had spread disaster in Philistia and Beth-shemesh, and the willingness of
the men of Kirjath-jearim to receive it was a token of their devotion. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/repentance and victory.htm

Adam's Sin
... He meddled with that which was out of his sphere, and did not belong to him. God
smote the men of Bethshemesh for looking into the ark. 1 Samuel 6:19. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... At present (1912) the site of ancient Beth-Shemesh is being excavated. The German
Palestine Society was organized in 1877 for a similar purpose. ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences)
... is better to accept their interpretation and identify this Beth-shemesh with Heliopolis.
See ON. MG Kyle. Multi-Version Concordance Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences) ...
/b/bethshemesh.htm - 19k

Beth-shemesh (19 Occurrences)
Beth-shemesh. Bethshemesh, Beth-shemesh. Beth-she'mesh . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Bethshemesh, Beth-shemesh. Beth-she'mesh . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-shemesh.htm - 20k

Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences)
... Beth-shemesh, Beth-she'mesh. Beth-shemeshite . ... 1 Samuel 6:20 And the men of
Beth-shemesh said: 'Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? ...
/b/beth-she'mesh.htm - 12k

Shemesh (24 Occurrences)
... from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim
on the north (the same is Chesalon), and went down to BethShemesh, and passed ...
/s/shemesh.htm - 14k

Kiriathjearim
... dan ("the camp of Dan") is described as between Zorah and Eshtaol; see MAHANEH-DAN.)
To this sanctuary the ark of Yahweh was brought, from Beth-shemesh by the ...
/k/kiriathjearim.htm - 13k

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... dan ("the camp of Dan") is described as between Zorah and Eshtaol; see MAHANEH-DAN.)
To this sanctuary the ark of Yahweh was brought, from Beth-shemesh by the ...
/k/kiriath-jearim.htm - 19k

Bethanath (2 Occurrences)
... BETH-ANATH. beth-a'-nath (beth`anath; Bainathath): A city in the territory of Naphtali,
named with Horem and Bethshemesh (Joshua 19:38 Judges 1:33). ...
/b/bethanath.htm - 7k

Beth-anath (2 Occurrences)
... city in the territory of Naphtali, named with Horem and Bethshemesh (Joshua 19 ... And
Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities ...
/b/beth-anath.htm - 7k

Shaalbim (2 Occurrences)
... Makaz, Beth-shemesh and Elon-beth-hanan (1 Kings 4:9). Beth-shemesh is the ... with Selbit,
3 miles Northwest of Aijalon (Yalo), and 8 miles North of Bethshemesh. ...
/s/shaalbim.htm - 8k

Timnah (12 Occurrences)
... 12, 13, 14. (2) A town on the northern border of Judah (Joshua 15:10),
lying between Beth-shemesh and Ekron. It is probably the ...
/t/timnah.htm - 13k

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

What does the Bible say about sun worship? | GotQuestions.org

What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org

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