### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bêyth ʼÂven**, represented by `{{H1007}}`, is defined as **house of vanity**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible and refers to a place in Palestine. The name itself signifies a location associated with emptiness or idolatry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1007}}` is used both as a geographical landmark and a symbol of spiritual corruption. In early accounts, it serves to identify locations, such as when Joshua{H3091} sent men to view Ai{H5857}, a city described as being beside{H5973} Bethaven{H1007} and east of Bethel{H1008} [[Joshua 7:2]]. It also defines a territorial border{H1366} [[Joshua 18:12]] and marks the position of the Philistine{H6430} army [[1 Samuel 13:5]]. Later, in the prophecies of Hosea, the name takes on a negative meaning. Israel{H3478} is warned not to go up{H5927} to Bethaven{H1007} [[Hosea 4:15]]. The site becomes explicitly linked to idolatry, as the people of Samaria{H8111} mourn{H56} for the calves{H5697} of Bethaven{H1007} after its glory{H3519} has departed{H1540} [[Hosea 10:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Bethaven:
* `{{H1008}}` **Bêyth-ʼÊl** (house of God): This name stands in direct theological contrast to Bethaven's "house of vanity." The two are geographically associated, with Bethaven located on the east side{H6924} of Bethel{H1008} [[Joshua 7:2]].
* `{{H1537}}` **Gilgâl**: This location is mentioned with Bethaven as a place of forbidden worship. The prophet commands Israel not to come{H935} to Gilgal{H1537} nor go up{H5927} to Bethaven{H1007}, linking both to spiritual offense{H816} [[Hosea 4:15]].
* `{{H1390}}` **Gibʻâh**: A nearby location mentioned in a prophetic warning. An alarm is to be sounded by blowing{H8628} a cornet{H7782} in Gibeah{H1390} and crying aloud{H7321} at Bethaven{H1007} [[Hosea 5:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1007}}` is primarily derived from its symbolic name and prophetic usage.
* **Symbol of Idolatrous Corruption:** The name **house of vanity** marks it as a center for false worship. This is powerfully illustrated by its association with the "calves{H5697} of Bethaven" and the departure{H1540} of its glory{H3519}, representing the loss of divine presence due to idolatry [[Hosea 10:5]].
* **A Place of Warning:** Bethaven serves as a location where alarms against sin are raised. The command to "cry aloud{H7321} at Bethaven" functions as a warning of impending judgment directed at Benjamin{H1144} [[Hosea 5:8]].
* **A Boundary of Offense:** The site is presented as a place to be avoided by the faithful. Israel is forbidden from going there or swearing oaths, contrasting it with places of true worship of the LORD{H3068} [[Hosea 4:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1007}}` **Bêyth ʼÂven** transitions from a simple geographical marker to a potent symbol of spiritual decay. While it orients key events in Israel's history, such as battles [[1 Samuel 14:23]] and territorial boundaries [[Joshua 18:12]], its lasting significance is as the "house of vanity." It stands as a biblical archetype for any place where idolatry has displaced true worship, earning prophetic condemnation and serving as a warning to future generations.
TRV