Fortified city in Naphtali, not conquered by the tribe.
Beth-shemesh
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in Joshua 19:38.
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, was a fortified city located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. This Beth-shemesh is distinct from the cities of the same name in Judah and Issachar. In Joshua 19:38, Beth-shemesh is listed among the fortified cities in Naphtali's inheritance, along with other cities such as Ziddim, Zer, and Hazor. The inclusion of Beth-shemesh in this list suggests that it was a significant city with defensive structures and walls. Judges 1:33 reveals that the tribe of Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath, and the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in the land. However, when Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely. The exact location of Beth-shemesh in Naphtali is uncertain, but it was likely situated in the northern part of Canaan, in the region known as the Galilee. The Galilee was known for its fertile land, abundant water sources, and strategic importance due to its proximity to major trade routes. 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.
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.
33.147, 35.427 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Joshua 19:38
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.
- Judges 1:33
Naphtali failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath. So the Naphtalites also lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, but the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath served them as forced laborers.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.