Bethhoglah, also known as Beth-hoglah, is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The name "Bethhoglah" translates to "house of the partridge" in Hebrew, which may suggest a connection to the local wildlife or a characteristic of the area.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:6 : "Then the border went up to Beth-hoglah and passed north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben." This verse places Bethhoglah within the boundary lines of the tribe of Judah. It is part of the description of the southern border of Judah's inheritance, indicating its geographical significance in delineating tribal territories.

2. Joshua 18:19 : "The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and ended at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border." Here, Bethhoglah is mentioned again in the context of the tribal allotments, this time as part of the boundary for the tribe of Benjamin. The location is near the northern end of the Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, and close to the Jordan River.

Geographical Context:

Bethhoglah is situated in the Jordan Valley, near the northern tip of the Dead Sea. Its proximity to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea suggests it was a location of strategic importance, possibly serving as a landmark for the division of land among the tribes of Israel. The area around Bethhoglah would have been characterized by the arid climate typical of the region, with the Jordan River providing a crucial water source.

Historical and Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the precise delineation of tribal boundaries was essential for maintaining order and ensuring that each tribe received its allotted inheritance as promised by God. Bethhoglah's mention in the context of these boundaries underscores its role in the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Israelites, as they took possession of the Promised Land.

Theologically, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of His promises to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each location mentioned, including Bethhoglah, serves as a reminder of the divine orchestration in the establishment of Israel as a nation.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of Bethhoglah has not been definitively identified in modern times, it is generally associated with the area near the current site of Ain Hajla, a spring located northwest of the Dead Sea. Archaeological efforts in the region continue to explore and uncover remnants of ancient settlements, providing further insight into the historical context of biblical sites like Bethhoglah.

Bethhoglah remains a point of interest for biblical scholars and archaeologists alike, as it contributes to the broader understanding of the geographical and historical landscape of ancient Israel.BETH-HOGLAH

beth-hog'-la (beth-choghlah; Septuagint Baithaglaam, "house of partridge"): Mentioned in Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:19, identified with Ain Haijab ("partridge spring") lying between Jericho and the Jordan, where in 1874 there was still a ruined Greek monastery called Kasr Hajlah, dating from the 12th century. The ruins are now destroyed. In Joshua 15:5; Joshua 18:19 it is said to be at the mouth of the Jordan on a Tongue (Lisan) of the Salt Sea. But it is now several miles inland, probably because the Jordan has silt edition up a delta to that extent.

See DEAD SEA.

George Frederick Wright

Bethhoglah (1 Occurrence)
... that extent. See DEAD SEA. George Frederick Wright. Multi-Version Concordance
Bethhoglah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:21 Now the cities ...
/b/bethhoglah.htm - 7k

Beth-hoglah (2 Occurrences)
Beth-hoglah. Bethhoglah, Beth-hoglah. Beth-horan . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia BETH-HOGLAH. ... Bethhoglah, Beth-hoglah. Beth-horan . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-hoglah.htm - 8k

Beth-hogla (1 Occurrence)
Beth-hogla. Bethhogla, Beth-hogla. Bethhoglah . Multi-Version Concordance ... (Root
in JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Bethhogla, Beth-hogla. Bethhoglah ...
/b/beth-hogla.htm - 6k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to
their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz, (KJV ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

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