Overview:
Dothaim, also known as Dothan, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily recognized as the site where Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and later as a place where the prophet Elisha performed a miracle. The name "Dothaim" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "two wells," indicative of the area's geographical features.

Biblical References:

1. Joseph and His Brothers:
Dothaim is first mentioned in the context of the account of Joseph. In Genesis 37:17, Joseph's brothers had gone to pasture their father's flock near Shechem, but they moved on to Dothaim. When Joseph went to find them, they conspired against him. Genesis 37:17-28 narrates, "So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him... Then Midianite traders passed by, so his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt."

2. Elisha and the Arameans:
Dothaim is also the setting for a miraculous event involving the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 6:13-17 , the king of Aram sent horses and chariots to capture Elisha, who was staying in Dothaim. When Elisha's servant saw the army surrounding the city, he was afraid, but Elisha prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." The LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Geographical and Historical Context:
Dothaim is located in the northern part of ancient Israel, approximately 12 miles north of Samaria. The site is identified with the modern-day Tel Dothan, which lies in a fertile valley. The presence of two wells, as suggested by the name, would have made it a suitable location for pasturing flocks, as described in the account of Joseph.

Theological Significance:
Dothaim serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments in biblical history. The account of Joseph at Dothaim marks the beginning of his journey to Egypt, which ultimately leads to the preservation of the Israelites during a time of famine. This narrative highlights themes of divine providence and redemption, as what was intended for harm by Joseph's brothers was used by God for good (Genesis 50:20).

In the account of Elisha, Dothaim becomes a place where God's protection and power are vividly demonstrated. The vision of the heavenly army reassures believers of God's unseen presence and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats.

Archaeological Insights:
Excavations at Tel Dothan have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Bronze and Iron Ages, which align with the biblical timeline. These findings provide a tangible connection to the biblical narratives and offer insights into the historical and cultural context of the region.

Conclusion:
While Dothaim is mentioned only a few times in the Bible, its role in the narratives of Joseph and Elisha underscores its importance as a site of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's purposes.Dothaim

[DOTHAN]

DOTHAIM

do'-tha-im: Mentioned in Judith 4:6 and frequently in connection with the invasion of Holofernes. See next article.

Dothaim
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DOTHAIM. do'-tha-im: Mentioned in Judith 4:6 and
frequently in connection with the invasion of Holofernes. See next article. ...
/d/dothaim.htm - 6k

Dothan (2 Occurrences)

/d/dothan.htm - 8k

Doth (4423 Occurrences)

/d/doth.htm - 6k

Balamon
... BALAMON. bal'-a-mon Balamon; (the King James Version, Balamo): In the field between
Balamon and Dothaim Manasses, the husband of Judith, was buried (Judith 8:3 ...
/b/balamon.htm - 6k

Baal-hamon (1 Occurrence)
... Others identify it with Belamon, in Central Palestine, near Dothaim. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. BAAL-HAMON. ba-al-ha'-mon. See BAAL (1). ...
/b/baal-hamon.htm - 7k

Baalhamon (1 Occurrence)
... Others identify it with Belamon, in Central Palestine, near Dothaim. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. BAAL-HAMON. ba-al-ha'-mon. See BAAL (1). ...
/b/baalhamon.htm - 7k

Judith (1 Occurrence)
... Since he so often mentions Dothan (Greek Dothae, Dothaim) (Judith 3:9; 4:06; 7:3,
18; 8:3), it is probable that he belonged to that neighborhood. ...
/j/judith.htm - 27k

Anem (1 Occurrence)
... Since he so often mentions Dothan (Greek Dothae, Dothaim) (Judith 3:9; 4:06; 7:3,
18; 8:3), it is probable that he belonged to that neighborhood. ...
/a/anem.htm - 101k

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