Bithron is a geographical term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative concerning King David. The term appears in 2 Samuel 2:29, which states: "All that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, continued through the whole Bithron, and came to Mahanaim."

Geographical Context:

Bithron is understood to be a region or a specific area located east of the Jordan River. The passage in 2 Samuel suggests that it was part of the route taken by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, as he retreated from a skirmish with David's forces. The exact location of Bithron is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the territory of Gilead, which lies to the east of the Jordan River.

Historical and Biblical Significance:

The mention of Bithron occurs during a period of civil strife in Israel's history, following the death of King Saul. Abner, who had initially supported Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, was engaged in a prolonged conflict with David, who had been anointed king over Judah. The passage highlights the strategic movements of Abner's forces as they navigated the terrain of the Transjordan region.

The reference to Bithron, while brief, underscores the complex political and military landscape of the time. It reflects the division within the nation of Israel and the ongoing struggle for power and legitimacy between the house of Saul and the house of David.

Linguistic Considerations:

The term "Bithron" is derived from the Hebrew root "batar," which means "to cut" or "to divide." This etymology may suggest a landscape characterized by ravines or divided terrain, which would be consistent with the topography of the Gilead region. The name itself may imply a place that is rugged or difficult to traverse, fitting the context of a military retreat.

Theological Reflections:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Bithron in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of God's providence and sovereignty in the unfolding history of Israel. Despite the political turmoil and human conflict, the divine plan for the establishment of David's kingdom continues to advance. The passage invites reflection on the themes of leadership, loyalty, and the fulfillment of God's promises amidst human challenges.

In summary, Bithron is a minor yet significant geographical reference within the biblical account of David's rise to power. It provides insight into the historical and geographical context of the period, while also contributing to the broader narrative of God's work in the history of Israel.Bithron

divisions

Bithron

more accurately the Bithron (a craggy gorge or ravine), a place, doubtless a district, in the Jordan valley on the east side of the river. (2 Samuel 2:29)

The broken or divided place, a district in the Arabah or Jordan valley, on the east of the river (2 Samuel 2:29). It was probably the designation of the region in general, which is broken and intersected by ravines. BITHRON

bith'-ron (ha-bithron; holen ten parateinousan, literally "the entire (land) extending"; 2 Samuel 2:29, "the Bithron," i.e. the gorge or groove): Does not seem to be a proper name; rather it indicates the gorge by which Abner approached Mahanaim. Buhl (GAP, 121) favors identification with Wady `Ajlun, along which in later times a Roman road connected `Ajlun and Mahanaim. Others (Guthe, Kurz. bib. Worterbuch, under the word) incline to Wady esh Sha`ib.

1338. bithron -- forenoon
... 1337, 1338. bithron. 1339 . forenoon. Transliteration: bithron Phonetic
Spelling: (bith-rone') Short Definition: morning. ... Bithron. ...
/hebrew/1338.htm - 6kBithron (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BITHRON. ... bib. Worterbuch, under the word) incline
to Wady esh Sha`ib. Multi-Version Concordance Bithron (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bithron.htm - 7k

Forenoon (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they
passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. ...
/f/forenoon.htm - 6k

Marching (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they
passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. ...
/m/marching.htm - 12k

Mahana'im (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and
they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim ...
/m/mahana'im.htm - 9k

Bith-ron
Bith-ron. Bithron, Bith-ron. Bithynia . Easton's Bible Dictionary The ...
ravines. Bithron, Bith-ron. Bithynia . Reference Bible.
/b/bith-ron.htm - 6k

Bith'i-ah (1 Occurrence)
Bith'i-ah. Bithiah, Bith'i-ah. Bithron . Multi-Version Concordance Bith'i-ah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Bithiah, Bith'i-ah. Bithron . Reference Bible.
/b/bith'i-ah.htm - 6k

Marched (51 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they
passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. ...
/m/marched.htm - 21k

Mahanaim (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they
passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. ...
/m/mahanaim.htm - 18k

Crossed (65 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they
passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. ...
/c/crossed.htm - 25k

Abner (54 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they
passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. ...
/a/abner.htm - 30k

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