Topical Encyclopedia Betharbel is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Hosea. The reference to Betharbel is found in Hosea 10:14, which states: "the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be devastated—as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel on the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to pieces with their children" . This passage is part of a prophetic warning delivered by Hosea to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, foretelling the destruction and calamity that would come upon them due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry.The exact identification and historical context of Betharbel remain subjects of scholarly debate. Some scholars suggest that Betharbel may be identified with Arbela, a location in the region of Galilee, while others propose it could be a site in Transjordan. The mention of "Shalman" in the same verse is often associated with Shalmaneser V, the Assyrian king, although some interpretations suggest it could refer to another ruler or military leader. The destruction of Betharbel serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of turning away from God. The imagery of mothers and children being dashed to pieces underscores the severity and brutality of the judgment that would befall those who forsake the covenant with Yahweh. This historical reference is used by Hosea to emphasize the impending doom that awaits Israel if they continue in their rebellious ways. Betharbel's mention in the Bible, though brief, is significant in understanding the broader narrative of Hosea's prophecies. It highlights the themes of divine judgment, the consequences of sin, and the call to repentance. The historical and geographical uncertainties surrounding Betharbel do not diminish its theological importance in the biblical text, as it serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of God's warnings through His prophets. Easton's Bible Dictionary House of God's court, a place alluded to by Hosea (10:14) as the scene of some great military exploit, but not otherwise mentioned in Scripture. The Shalman here named was probably Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria (2 Kings 17:3). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-ARBELbeth-ar'-bel (beth 'arbe'l): The scene of a terrific disaster inflicted on the inhabitants by Shalman (Hosea 10:14). If the place intended was in Palestine, and was not the famous city of that name on the Euphrates, then probably it should be identified either with Irbid (or Irbil) in Galilee, or with Irbid, which corresponds to Arbela of the Eusebius, Onomasticon, East of the Jordan, about 12 miles Southeast of Gadara. If, as Schrader thinks (COT, II, 140), Shalman stands for the Moabite king, Shalamanu, a tributary of Tiglath-pileser, the eastern town would be the more natural identification. Possibly however the reference is to Shalmaneser III or IV. For the Galilean site, see ARBELA; see also DB, under the word Thesaurus Betharbel (1 Occurrence)... For the Galilean site, see ARBELA; see also DB, under the word W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Betharbel (1 Occurrence). Hosea ... /b/betharbel.htm - 8k Beth-arbel (1 Occurrence) Beth-aram (1 Occurrence) Shalman (1 Occurrence) Tumult (56 Occurrences) Spoiled (69 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Betharbel (1 Occurrence)Hosea 10:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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