Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Harosheth-hagoyim is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is primarily known as the home and stronghold of Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin of Hazor. The name "Harosheth-hagoyim" can be translated as "Harosheth of the Gentiles" or "Harosheth of the Nations," indicating its role as a center of Canaanite power and influence. Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to Harosheth-hagoyim is found in Judges 4. This chapter details the oppression of the Israelites by Jabin, king of Canaan, and the subsequent deliverance led by the prophetess Deborah and the military leader Barak. · Judges 4:2 : "So the LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim." · Judges 4:13 : "Sisera summoned all his nine hundred iron chariots and all the men with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the River Kishon." · Judges 4:16 : "Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth-hagoyim, and the whole army of Sisera fell by the sword; not a man was left." Historical and Geographical Context: Harosheth-hagoyim is believed to have been located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the Kishon River. Its exact location remains uncertain, but it is generally thought to be in the region of the Jezreel Valley or the Galilee. The strategic position of Harosheth-hagoyim allowed it to serve as a military base for Sisera's forces, particularly his formidable chariot corps. Role in the Narrative of Judges: The narrative of Judges 4 highlights the oppressive rule of Jabin and the military might of Sisera, who terrorized the Israelites with his iron chariots. Harosheth-hagoyim, as Sisera's headquarters, symbolizes the strength and threat of Canaanite power. However, the account also demonstrates God's deliverance of Israel through unexpected means. Deborah, a female judge and prophetess, calls Barak to lead an army against Sisera. Despite the odds, the Israelites achieve a miraculous victory, aided by a divinely sent storm that renders Sisera's chariots ineffective. Theological Significance: Harosheth-hagoyim serves as a backdrop for the demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. The defeat of Sisera's forces at the hands of the Israelites underscores the theme of divine intervention and the reversal of human expectations. The account of Deborah and Barak, culminating in the fall of Sisera, illustrates the power of faith and obedience to God's commands, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Cultural and Symbolic Aspects: In the broader cultural context, Harosheth-hagoyim represents the pagan nations that surrounded and often oppressed Israel. The term "hagoyim" (of the nations) emphasizes the foreign and hostile nature of Sisera's base. The victory over Sisera and the subsequent peace in the land for forty years (Judges 5:31) symbolize the triumph of God's people over idolatry and oppression. Conclusion: While Harosheth-hagoyim is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, its role in the account of Deborah and Barak is pivotal. It stands as a testament to God's deliverance and the courage of those who trust in Him. The account of Harosheth-hagoyim continues to inspire believers with its message of hope and divine justice. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAROSHETH, OF THE GENTILES, OF THE NATIONSha-ro'-sheth or (charosheth ha-goyim): There is now no means of discovering what is meant by the phrase "of the nations." This is the place whence Sisera led his hosts to the Kishon against Deborah and Barak (Judges 4:13), to which the discomfited and leaderless army fled after their defeat (Judges 4:16). No site seems so well to meet the requirements of the narrative as el Charithiyeh. There are still the remains of an ancient stronghold on this great double mound, which rises on the North bank of the Kishon, in the throat of the pass leading by the base of Carmel, from the coast to Esdraelon. It effectually commands the road which here climbs the slope, and winds through the oak forest to the plain; Megiddo being some 16 miles distant. The modern also preserves a reminiscence of the ancient name. By emending the text, Cheyne would here find the name "Kadshon," to be identified with Kedesh in Galilee (EB, under the word). On any reasonable reading of the narrative this is unnecessary. Strong's Hebrew 2800. Charosheth -- a place in Palestine... a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Charosheth Phonetic Spelling: (khar-o'-sheth) Short Definition: Harosheth-hagoyim. ... NASB Word Usage Harosheth-hagoyim* (3). ... /hebrew/2800.htm - 6k 1471. goy -- nation, people Thesaurus Haroshethhagoyim/h/haroshethhagoyim.htm - 7k Harosheth-hagoyim (3 Occurrences) Harp (36 Occurrences) Haro'sheth-ha-goiim (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Harosheth-hagoyim (3 Occurrences)Judges 4:2 Judges 4:13 Judges 4:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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