Bethjeshimoth, meaning "House of the Deserts" or "House of the Wastes," is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Israelites' journey and settlement in the Promised Land. It is situated in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, near the Dead Sea. This area is significant in biblical history as it marks one of the final encampments of the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 33:49 · Bethjeshimoth is mentioned as one of the last encampments of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The verse states, "They camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab."

2. Joshua 12:3 · The location is noted in the context of the conquests of Moses and the Israelites. It is described as part of the territory conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership, "from the Arabah to the Sea of Chinnereth eastward, and as far as Beth-jeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah."

3. Ezekiel 25:9 · Bethjeshimoth is mentioned in a prophecy against Moab, indicating its geographical and cultural significance. The verse reads, "Therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier towns—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Bethjeshimoth was located in a region that was both strategically and economically significant. The plains of Moab were fertile and provided a suitable area for the Israelites to camp and prepare for their entry into Canaan. The proximity to the Dead Sea and the Jordan River made it a key location for trade and travel routes in ancient times.

The area was originally under Moabite control, and its mention in the context of Israelite encampments and conquests highlights the transition of power as the Israelites moved into the land promised to them by God. The plains of Moab, including Bethjeshimoth, served as a staging ground for the Israelites as they prepared to take possession of the land across the Jordan.

Theological Significance:

Bethjeshimoth's role in the biblical narrative underscores the faithfulness of God in leading His people to the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of Israel as a nation. The encampment at Bethjeshimoth represents a period of transition and preparation, as the Israelites stood on the brink of a new chapter in their history.

The prophetic mention in Ezekiel highlights the judgment against Moab and the surrounding nations, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all lands and peoples. Bethjeshimoth, as part of this prophecy, illustrates the broader theme of divine justice and the ultimate authority of God over the nations.

In summary, Bethjeshimoth is a significant biblical location that played a crucial role in the journey of the Israelites and serves as a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His divine plan for His people.Bethjeshimoth

(house of deserts) or Jes'imoth , a town or place east of Jordan, on the lower level at the south end of the Jordan valley, (Numbers 33:49) and named with Ashdod-pisgah and Beth-peor. It was one of the limits of the encampment of Israel before crossing the Jordan. Later it was allotted to Reuben, (Joshua 12:3; 13:20) but came at last into the hands of Moab, and formed one of the cities which were "the glory of the country." (Ezekiel 25:9)

House of wastes, or deserts, a town near Abel-shittim, east of Jordan, in the desert of Moab, where the Israelites encamped not long before crossing the Jordan (Numbers 33:49; A.V., "Bethjesimoth"). It was within the territory of Sihon, king of the Amorites (Joshua 12:3). BETH-JESHIMOTH

beth-jesh'-i-moth (beth ha-yeshimoth; Codex Vaticanus, Haisimoth; Codex Alexandrinus, Asimoth, and other variants (see DB, under the word)): Mentioned as the point in the south from which the camp of Israel stretched to Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:49). In Joshua 12:3 the way to Beth-jeshimoth is described as South of the Arabah, near the Dead Sea. It was in the lot assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:20), At what times and how long it was actually held by Israel we do not know; but it appears in Ezekiel 25:9 as belonging to Moab. It may be identical with Khirbet es-Suweimeh, where there are some ruins and a well, about 3 miles East of the mouth of the Jordan.

W. Ewing

Bethjeshimoth (3 Occurrences)
... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Bethjeshimoth (3 Occurrences). ... Joshua
13:20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth, (KJV). ...
/b/bethjeshimoth.htm - 8k

Ashdothpisgah (3 Occurrences)
... 12:3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of
the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from ...
/a/ashdothpisgah.htm - 8k

Beth-jeshimoth (4 Occurrences)
Beth-jeshimoth. Bethjeshimoth, Beth-jeshimoth. Beth-jes'himoth . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Bethjeshimoth, Beth-jeshimoth. Beth-jes'himoth . Reference Bible
/b/beth-jeshimoth.htm - 9k

Baalmeon (3 Occurrences)
... behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are
on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and ...
/b/baalmeon.htm - 8k

Bethinketh (1 Occurrence)

/b/bethinketh.htm - 6k

Bethpeor (4 Occurrences)
... but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. (KJV). Joshua 13:20
And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth, (KJV). ...
/b/bethpeor.htm - 9k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... 12:3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of
the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

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