Topical Encyclopedia
Beth-arbel is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Hosea. The reference to Beth-arbel is found in
Hosea 10:14, where the prophet Hosea warns the northern kingdom of Israel about impending judgment and destruction due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. The verse reads: "the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be devastated—as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel on the day of battle—when mothers were dashed to pieces with their children" (
Hosea 10:14).
Historical ContextThe exact identification of Beth-arbel is uncertain, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, it is believed to have been a city or region known for a significant and brutal military defeat. The reference to "Shalman" is often associated with Shalmaneser, a king of Assyria, although some scholars suggest it could refer to another ruler or military leader. The historical event alluded to in
Hosea 10:14 is not clearly documented in other historical records, which adds to the ambiguity surrounding Beth-arbel.
Geographical ConsiderationsThe precise location of Beth-arbel remains a matter of debate among scholars and archaeologists. Some propose that it could be identified with Arbela in Galilee, while others suggest a location in Transjordan. The lack of definitive archaeological evidence makes it challenging to pinpoint its exact location. Despite this, the mention of Beth-arbel in Hosea serves as a powerful symbol of destruction and divine judgment.
Theological SignificanceIn the context of Hosea's prophecy, Beth-arbel represents the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The imagery of destruction and the mention of mothers and children being dashed to pieces highlight the severity of the judgment that would come upon Israel due to their sins. Hosea's message is a call to repentance, urging the people to return to the Lord and abandon their idolatrous practices.
The reference to Beth-arbel serves as a stark reminder of the historical reality of divine judgment and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. It underscores the theme of accountability and the inevitable consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Through the example of Beth-arbel, Hosea communicates the urgency of repentance and the hope of restoration for those who seek the Lord with sincere hearts.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Beth-ArbelProbably Arbela, now Irbid. One place of this name lay twenty-five miles southeast of the sea of Galilee. Another was in Galilee, near Magdala. Here were some large and almost inaccessible fortified caverns, in the sides of precipices,Hosea 10:14.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
House of God's court, a place alluded to by Hosea (
10:14) as the scene of some great military exploit, but not otherwise mentioned in Scripture. The Shalman here named was probably Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria (
2 Kings 17:3).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-ARBELbeth-ar'-bel (beth 'arbe'l): The scene of a terrific disaster inflicted on the inhabitants by Shalman (Hosea 10:14). If the place intended was in Palestine, and was not the famous city of that name on the Euphrates, then probably it should be identified either with Irbid (or Irbil) in Galilee, or with Irbid, which corresponds to Arbela of the Eusebius, Onomasticon, East of the Jordan, about 12 miles Southeast of Gadara. If, as Schrader thinks (COT, II, 140), Shalman stands for the Moabite king, Shalamanu, a tributary of Tiglath-pileser, the eastern town would be the more natural identification. Possibly however the reference is to Shalmaneser III or IV. For the Galilean site, see ARBELA; see also DB, under the word
W. Ewing
Strong's Hebrew
1009. Beth Arebel -- "house of God's ambush," a place in Palestine... "house of God's ambush," a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Beth Arebel Phonetic
Spelling: (bayth ar-bale') Short Definition:
Beth-
arbel.
...Beth-
Arbel.
...Library
The Prophet Hosea.
... In Hosea 10:14, 15, it is said: "And tumult ariseth against thy people, and all
thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiledBeth-arbel in the day of...
'Fruit which is Death'
... Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be
spoiled, as Shalman spoiledBeth-arbel in the day of battle: the mother was...
The Nations of the South-East
... One of them was Shalman, who may be the spoiler ofBeth-Arbel referred to by
Hosea;[10] another was Chemosh-nadab, the contemporary of Hezekiah....
Thesaurus
Betharbel (1 Occurrence)...BETH-
ARBEL. beth-ar'-bel (beth 'arbe'l): The scene of a terrific disaster inflicted
on the inhabitants by Shalman (Hosea 10:14).
...Betharbel (1 Occurrence).
...Beth-arbel (1 Occurrence)
Beth-arbel.Betharbel,Beth-arbel. Beth-ar'bel . Easton's Bible Dictionary...
Betharbel,Beth-arbel. Beth-ar'bel . Reference Bible.
Shalman (1 Occurrence)
... in connection with a place-name, equally obscure, "as Shalman destroyedBetharbel."
Shalman is... The identification ofBETH-ARBEL (which see) is equally uncertain...
Beth-ar'bel (1 Occurrence)
Beth-ar'bel.Beth-arbel, Beth-ar'bel. Beth-ashbea . Multi-Version Concordance...
(See RSV).Beth-arbel, Beth-ar'bel. Beth-ashbea . Reference Bible.
Hoshea (13 Occurrences)
... 7. Battle ofBeth-arbel: With Hoshea in his hands, Shalmaneser's troops marched,
in the spring or summer of 725, to the completion of Assyria's work in...
Devastated (20 Occurrences)
... Hosea 10:14 Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people, and all your
fortresses will be destroyed, as Shalman destroyedBethArbel in the day of...
Beth-aram (1 Occurrence)
Beth-aram. Betharam, Beth-aram.Betharbel . Easton's Bible Dictionary... (WBS
YLT). Betharam, Beth-aram.Betharbel . Reference Bible.
Arbela
... acquaintance with the localities in the region, and his unquestionable
familiarity with the history. See alsoBETH-ARBEL. W. Ewing....
Arbel (1 Occurrence)
... Hosea 10:14 Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people, and all your
fortresses will be destroyed, as Shalman destroyedBethArbel in the day of...
Spoiling (20 Occurrences)
... Hosea 10:14 And rise doth a tumult among thy people, And all thy fortresses are
spoiled, As the spoiling of Shalman ofBeth-Arbel, In a day of battle, Mother...
Resources
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