Definition and Meaning:
Geruth is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a location associated with the narrative of the prophet Jeremiah. The word "Geruth" itself is derived from the Hebrew root "גרות" (gerut), which can imply a lodging place or a temporary dwelling. In the biblical context, it is often linked to a specific geographical location.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Geruth is found in the book of Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 41:17, the text states: "And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt." This passage occurs after the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah, by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. The remnant of the people, fearing retribution from the Babylonians, sought refuge and planned to flee to Egypt for safety.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Geruth Chimham is believed to be a location near Bethlehem, which is situated in the territory of Judah. The mention of Chimham suggests a connection to a figure named Chimham, who is associated with David's time. In 2 Samuel 19:37-40, Chimham is mentioned as the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, who was a supporter of King David during Absalom's rebellion. David, in gratitude, offered Chimham a place at his table, and it is possible that Geruth Chimham was a piece of land granted to him or his descendants.

The location near Bethlehem is significant, as Bethlehem is a town with deep historical and theological roots in the biblical narrative. It is the birthplace of King David and later, according to the New Testament, of Jesus Christ. The proximity of Geruth Chimham to Bethlehem underscores its strategic and symbolic importance.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Geruth Chimham in Jeremiah highlights themes of fear, displacement, and the search for refuge. The remnant of Judah, in their desperation, sought a temporary place of safety as they contemplated fleeing to Egypt. This reflects a recurring biblical motif where God's people, in times of crisis, often find themselves in transit or seeking refuge, reminiscent of the Israelites' earlier sojourns and exiles.

Moreover, the decision to go to Egypt, a place historically associated with both refuge and bondage, underscores the tension between seeking human solutions and trusting in divine providence. Throughout the prophetic literature, Egypt often symbolizes reliance on worldly powers rather than on God.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:
The narrative surrounding Geruth Chimham is part of the larger literary structure of the book of Jeremiah, which deals with themes of judgment, exile, and hope. The book is a complex tapestry of prophecies, historical accounts, and personal laments, reflecting the turbulent period of Judah's history during the Babylonian conquest.

In the broader cultural context, the account of Geruth Chimham serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human plans and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and individuals. The temporary nature of Geruth as a lodging place symbolizes the impermanence of human solutions in contrast to the eternal promises of God.

Conclusion:
While Geruth Chimham is a minor geographical reference in the biblical text, its inclusion in the narrative of Jeremiah provides insight into the historical, theological, and cultural dynamics of the time. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the people of Judah and the enduring themes of faith, refuge, and divine guidance that permeate the biblical account.GERUTH CHIMHAM

ge'-rooth kim'-ham (geruth kimham): If the reading geruth is correct, a "lodging-place" or "khan" on the highway to Egypt, may be meant (Jeremiah 41:17). It may have been built by Chimham son of Barzillai; or it may have been named from him as owner of the land on which it stood. But probably with Josephus we should read gidhroth, "hurdles" or "sheep pens" (Ant., X, ix, 5).

1628. Geruth -- "lodging place," a place near Bethlehem
... 1627, 1628. Geruth. 1629 . "lodging place," a place near Bethlehem.
Transliteration: Geruth Phonetic Spelling: (gay-rooth') Short Definition: Geruth. ...
/hebrew/1628.htm - 6k

Footnotes
... 662 "That atrocious brigand" (Renan). 663 The folds of, as Aquila shows that
we should read Hebrew Geruth. 664 For the above see ch. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/footnotes.htm

Geruth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GERUTH CHIMHAM. ge'-rooth kim'-ham ... ix, 5).
Multi-Version Concordance Geruth (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 41 ...
/g/geruth.htm - 7k

Geruth Chimham
Geruth Chimham. Geruth, Geruth Chimham. Geruth-chimham . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia GERUTH CHIMHAM. ge'-rooth kim'-ham (geruth...
/g/geruth%20chimham.htm - 6k

Geruth-chimham (1 Occurrence)
Geruth-chimham. Geruth Chimham, Geruth-chimham. Gerzites .
Multi-Version Concordance Geruth-chimham (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/geruth-chimham.htm - 6k

Chimham (4 Occurrences)
... The "habitation of Chimham" (Jeremiah 41:17) was probably an inn or khan, which
is the proper meaning of the Hebrew geruth, rendered "habitation", established ...
/c/chimham.htm - 10k

Kimham (3 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jeremiah 41:17 and they departed, and lived in Geruth Chimham,
which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt, (See NIV). ...
/k/kimham.htm - 7k

Johanan (31 Occurrences)
... He was joined by the unwilling followers of Ishmael, but the murderer escaped.
Thereupon Johanan settled at Geruth-Chimham near Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41). ...
/j/johanan.htm - 21k

Gerzites (1 Occurrence)

/g/gerzites.htm - 7k

Gersonites (1 Occurrence)

/g/gersonites.htm - 6k

Inn (7 Occurrences)
... The nearest approach to such an idea occurs in Jeremiah 41:17 margin, where geruth
kimham is translated "the lodging-place of Chimham," but the text is very ...
/i/inn.htm - 17k

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