Zartanah, also spelled Zarethan or Zarthan, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the context of the construction and activities during the reign of King Solomon. It is primarily noted for its association with the casting of bronze works for the temple.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 7:46 : "The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan." This verse refers to the large-scale casting of bronze items for Solomon's Temple, including the two pillars, the Sea, and various other bronze articles. The casting took place in the plain of the Jordan, indicating that Zartanah was located in this region, near the Jordan River.

2. Joshua 3:16 : "The waters flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass very far away at Adam, the city beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) were completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho." This passage describes the miraculous stopping of the Jordan River's waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. Zartanah is mentioned as being near the city of Adam, providing a geographical marker for its location.

3. 2 Chronicles 4:17 : "The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan." This verse parallels the account in 1 Kings, reiterating the significance of Zartanah as a site for the casting of the temple's bronze works.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Zartanah is believed to have been situated in the Jordan Valley, a fertile and strategic area that played a significant role in the history of Israel. The proximity to the Jordan River would have provided the necessary resources and conditions for large-scale metalworking, such as water for cooling and clay for molds.

The mention of Zartanah alongside Succoth suggests that it was part of a network of sites involved in the industrial activities of Solomon's kingdom. The casting of bronze in this area highlights the advanced technological capabilities of the Israelites during this period and underscores the importance of the temple as a center of worship and national identity.

Theological Significance:

The activities at Zartanah reflect the broader narrative of Solomon's reign, characterized by wisdom, wealth, and the establishment of a centralized place of worship for the Israelites. The construction of the temple and its furnishings was a fulfillment of God's promise to David, Solomon's father, and symbolized God's presence among His people.

Zartanah's role in the temple's construction serves as a reminder of the intricate planning and divine provision involved in the establishment of a place where God would dwell with His people. The precision and artistry of the bronze works cast at Zartanah demonstrate the dedication and skill employed in creating a sanctuary worthy of the Lord.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of Zartanah has not been definitively identified, archaeological studies in the Jordan Valley continue to provide insights into the ancient practices of metallurgy and craftsmanship. Discoveries of ancient foundries and metalworking sites in the region offer a glimpse into the technological advancements of the time and the cultural significance of such activities in the biblical narrative.

In summary, Zartanah holds a notable place in the biblical account of Solomon's temple construction, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and devotion of the Israelites in their service to God.Zartanah

(1 Kings 4:12) [ZARETAN, OR ZARTHAN, ZARTHAN]

ZARTANAH

zar-ta'-na, zar'-ta-na (tsarethanah): the King James Version in 1 Kings 4:12 for "Zarethan." The form is Zarethan with Hebrew locale.

Zartanah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZARTANAH. zar-ta'-na, zar ... Hebrew locale.
Multi-Version Concordance Zartanah (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings ...
/z/zartanah.htm - 7k

Zarhites (4 Occurrences)

/z/zarhites.htm - 7k

Zereda (1 Occurrence)
... It is probably the same as Zaretan (Joshua 3:16), Zererath (Judges 7:22), Zartanah
(1 Kings 4:12), or the following. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/z/zereda.htm - 7k

Zarthan (1 Occurrence)

/z/zarthan.htm - 7k

Jokneam (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and
all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to ...
/j/jokneam.htm - 9k

Pertained (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and
all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to ...
/p/pertained.htm - 12k

Ben-ahilud (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 4:12 Baana Ben-Ahilud 'hath' Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-Shean, which
'is' by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Beth-Shean unto Abel-Meholah, unto ...
/b/ben-ahilud.htm - 6k

Bethshean (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo,
and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to ...
/b/bethshean.htm - 11k

Abelmeholah (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo,
and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to ...
/a/abelmeholah.htm - 9k

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