Etymology and Meaning
Betharabah, meaning "house of the desert" or "house of the plain," is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name reflects its geographical setting, likely situated in a desert or plain area, which is consistent with its historical and biblical context.

Biblical References
Betharabah is mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It appears in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

1. Joshua 15:6 · In the delineation of the territory of the tribe of Judah, Betharabah is listed as one of the border towns. The passage states: "Then it went up to Betharabah, and passed along to the north of Beth Arabah, and went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben" .

2. Joshua 18:18 · Betharabah is also mentioned in the description of the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The verse reads: "It continued to the north and went to En Shemesh, and continued to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben" . Here, Betharabah is part of the boundary description, indicating its location near the Jordan Valley.

Geographical Context
Betharabah is believed to be located in the Jordan Valley, near the Dead Sea. Its mention alongside other geographical markers such as the stone of Bohan and the ascent of Adummim helps to place it within the broader landscape of ancient Israel. The Jordan Valley was a significant region, known for its strategic importance and agricultural potential despite its arid conditions.

Historical and Theological Significance
Betharabah's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of land and territory in the history of Israel. The division of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. Each location, including Betharabah, played a role in the identity and heritage of the tribes.

From a theological perspective, the precise recording of boundaries and towns like Betharabah highlights the faithfulness of God in providing for His people. It also reflects the order and structure that God established for the nation of Israel, emphasizing the importance of community and belonging within the covenant relationship.

Archaeological Insights
While specific archaeological evidence for Betharabah is limited, the general area of the Jordan Valley has been the subject of numerous excavations. These studies have provided insights into the ancient cultures and settlements that existed during the biblical period. The findings contribute to a greater understanding of the historical context in which Betharabah and other biblical sites existed.

Conclusion
Betharabah serves as a testament to the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites as they settled in the land promised to them by God. Its mention in the Bible, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant and the unfolding of His plan for His people.Betharabah

house of sweet smell

Betharabah

(house of the desert), one of the six cities of Judah which were situated down in the Arabah, the sunk valley of the Jordan and Dead Sea, (Joshua 15:61) on the north border of the tribe. It is also included in the list of the towns of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:22)

House of the desert, one of the six cities of Judah, situated in the sunk valley of the Jordan and Dead Sea (Joshua 18:22). In Joshua 15:61 it is said to have been "in the wilderness." It was afterwards included in the towns of Benjamin. It is called Arabah (Joshua 18:18). BETH-ARABAH

beth-ar'-a-ba (beth ha-`arabhah; Baitharaba, "place of the Arabah"):

(1) One of the 6 cities of Judah "in the wilderness" (Joshua 15:61), on the borders of Benjamin and Judah (Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:18 Septuagint). "The wilderness of Judah" is the barren land West of the Dead Sea. Beth-arabah is not yet identified.

(2) One of the cities of Benjamin (Joshua 18:22). Septuagint (Codex Vaticanus) reads Baithabara, and this may be correct. The names are early confounded.

See BETHABARA.

Betharabah (3 Occurrences)
... See BETHABARA. Multi-Version Concordance Betharabah (3 Occurrences). ... Joshua
15:61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah, (KJV). ...
/b/betharabah.htm - 8k

Beth-arabah (4 Occurrences)
Beth-arabah. Betharabah, Beth-arabah. Betharam . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Betharabah, Beth-arabah. Betharam . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-arabah.htm - 8k

Zemaraim (2 Occurrences)
... of Benjamin. It is named between Betharabah and Bethel (Joshua 18:22),
and is probably to be sought East of the latter city. It ...
/z/zemaraim.htm - 8k

Beth-aphrah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-aphrah. Bethany, Beth-aphrah. Betharabah . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(YLT). Bethany, Beth-aphrah. Betharabah . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-aphrah.htm - 6k

Bethhogla (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 15:6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of
Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben ...
/b/bethhogla.htm - 6k

Achor (5 Occurrences)
... In a general way, as indicated by the points mentioned in the border of Judah, it
was north of Betharabah, and south of Debir (Joshua 7:24; Joshua 15:7). Many ...
/a/achor.htm - 11k

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