Beth-shemesh was a border town in the territory of Issachar. (Joshua 19:22)
Also known as Beth Shemesh
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.
Approximate location: 32.406, 35.505 · view on a map · on the Bible atlas
1 verse in 1 book · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H1053
The border reached Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan. There were sixteen cities, along with their villages.
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.