Border town of Issachar.
Beth-shemesh
Named in 1 verse of Joshua, first in Joshua 19:22.
בֵּית שֶׁ֫מֶשׁBeth-shemesh
The name means “house of the sun.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Beth-shemesh Written by AI
Beth-shemesh, meaning "house of the sun" in Hebrew, is mentioned in Joshua 19:22 as a border town in the territory allotted to the tribe of Issachar. This Beth-shemesh is distinct from the more well-known city of the same name in Judah. The town is listed along with other cities and towns in Issachar's inheritance, such as Tabor, Shahazimah, and En-gannim. Its inclusion in this list suggests that it was located on the border of Issachar's territory, possibly adjacent to the territories of other tribes. No other information about this Beth-shemesh is provided in the Bible, and it is not mentioned in any other historical or archaeological context. Its name, "house of the sun," may refer to the presence of a shrine or temple dedicated to the sun god, or it could be related to a local geographical feature. The exact location of Beth-shemesh in Issachar is uncertain, but it was likely situated in the region of the Jezreel Valley, which was known for its fertile land and strategic importance.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Beth-shemesh, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
House of the sun. (1.) A sacerdotal city in the tribe of Dan (Josh. 21:16; 1 Sam. 6:15), on the north border of Judah (Josh. 15:10). It was the scene of an encounter between Jehoash, king of Israel, and Amaziah, king of Judah, in which the latter was made prisoner (2 Kings 14:11, 13). It was afterwards taken by the Philistines (2 Chr. 28:18). It is the modern ruined Arabic village ‘Ain-shems, on the north-west slopes of the mountains of Judah, 14 miles west of Jerusalem.
(2.) A city between Dothan and the Jordan, near the southern border of Issachar (Josh. 19:22), 7 1/2 miles south of Beth-shean. It is the modern Ain-esh-Shemsiyeh.
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(3.) One of the fenced cities of Naphtali (Josh. 19:38), between Mount Tabor and the Jordan. Now Khurbet Shema, 3 miles west of Safed. But perhaps the same as No. 2.
(4.) An idol sanctuary in Egypt (Jer. 43:13); called by the Greeks Heliopolis, and by the Egyptians On (q.v.), Gen. 41:45.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
32.406, 35.505 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Joshua 19:22
The border reached Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan. There were sixteen cities, along with their villages.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.