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Bethdagon is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, associated with the worship of the Philistine deity Dagon. The name "Bethdagon" translates to "house of Dagon," indicating its significance as a center for the worship of this particular god. Dagon was a major deity in the ancient Near East, often associated with grain and agriculture, and was revered by the Philistines and other Semitic peoples.

Biblical References:

1.Joshua 15:41 · In the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, Bethdagon is listed as one of the towns in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The verse states: "Gederoth, Bethdagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities, along with their villages."

2.Joshua 19:27 · Bethdagon is also mentioned in the context of the territory of the tribe of Asher. The verse reads: "It then turned toward the east to Bethdagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah El, and went north to Beth Emek and Neiel, extending to Cabul on the left."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Bethdagon's mention in the context of both Judah and Asher suggests that there may have been more than one location with this name, or that the site was significant enough to be noted in different tribal territories. The presence of a place named after Dagon within Israelite borders highlights the cultural and religious interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors, particularly the Philistines.

The Philistines were known for their pantheon of gods, with Dagon being one of the most prominent. The worship of Dagon is notably mentioned in the account of Samson inJudges 16, where the Philistines gathered in a temple of Dagon to celebrate Samson's capture. This cultural exchange and the presence of Philistine influence in certain areas of Israelite territory are reflected in the existence of places like Bethdagon.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Bethdagon has not been conclusively found, the general region where these towns were located has been subject to extensive archaeological study. Excavations in areas associated with Philistine and Canaanite settlements have provided insights into the religious practices and daily life of the people who might have lived in or near Bethdagon.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Bethdagon in the Bible serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct religious identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures. The presence of sites dedicated to foreign gods within the Promised Land underscores the recurring biblical theme of the Israelites' struggle against idolatry and the call to remain faithful to Yahweh.

Bethdagon, therefore, is not just a geographical location but also a symbol of the broader spiritual battles depicted throughout the Old Testament narrative. The Israelites' encounters with places like Bethdagon highlight the tension between the call to holiness and the pervasive influence of surrounding nations and their deities.Bethdagon

(house of Dagon).

1. A city in the low country of Judah, (Joshua 15:41) and therefore not far from the Philistine territory.
2. A town apparently near the coast, named as one of the landmarks of the boundary of Asher. (Joshua 19:27)

House of Dagon.

(1.) A city in the low country or plain of Judah, near Philistia (Joshua 15:41); the modern Beit Degan, about 5 miles from Lydda.

(2.) A city near the south-east border of Asher (Joshua 19:27). It was a Philistine colony. It is identical with the modern ruined village of Tell D'auk.

BETH-DAGON

beth-da'-gon (bethdaghon; Bethdagon):

(1) A town in the Shephelah of Judah named with Gederoth, Naamah, and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41). It may be represented by the modern Beit Dijan, about 6 miles Southeast of Jaffa. This however is a modern site, and not in the Shephelah. Nearly 2 miles to the south is Khirbet Dajan, a Roman site. The connection in which it occurs leads us to expect a position farther Southeast

(2) A city on the border of Asher (Joshua 19:27) which Conder would identify with Tell D'auk, near the mouth of the Belus, in the plan of Acre.

The name seems to have been of frequent occurrence. There is a Beit Dejan about 6 miles East of Nablus, and Josephus speaks of a fortress called Dagon above Jericho (Ant., XII, viii, 1; BJ, I, ii, 3). This would seem to indicate a widespread worship of Dagon. But the name may mean "house of corn."

W. Ewing

Bethdagon (2 Occurrences)
... beth-da'-gon (bethdaghon;Bethdagon): (1) A town in the Shephelah of Judah named
with Gederoth, Naamah, and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41)....Bethdagon (2 Occurrences)....

Beth-dagon (2 Occurrences)
Beth-dagon.Bethdagon, Beth-dagon. Beth-da'gon . Easton's Bible Dictionary
House of Dagon....Bethdagon, Beth-dagon. Beth-da'gon . Reference Bible.

Beth-dagan
Beth-dagan. Bethdagan, Beth-dagan.Bethdagon . Int.... But the name may mean "house
of corn." W. Ewing. Bethdagan, Beth-dagan.Bethdagon . Reference Bible

Jiphthahel (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising toBethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and...

Reacheth (23 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising toBethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and...

Bethdagan
... BETH-DAGON. beth-da'-gon (bethdaghon;Bethdagon): (1) A town in the Shephelah of
Judah named with Gederoth, Naamah, and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41)....

Bethemek (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising toBethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and...

Sunrising (15 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising toBethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and...

Turneth (249 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising toBethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and...

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