The Hebrew name Bêyth Baʻal Mᵉʻôwn, represented by H1010, literally means house of Baal of (the) habitation of. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This term identifies a specific place in Palestine and is sometimes found in the shorter form Beth-meon, meaning "house of habitation of (Baal)".
In the biblical narrative, H1010 is listed as a city located in a specific geographical region. It is mentioned as Bethbaalmeon among the cities "in the plain" H4334 along with Heshbon H2809, Dibon H1769, and Bamothbaal H1120 Joshua 13:17. In a later reference, it appears under its shorter name, Bethmeon, in a list of cities slated for judgment, including Kiriathaim H7156 and Bethgamul H1014 Jeremiah 48:23.
Several related place names appear alongside H1010, providing geographical context:
- H2809 Cheshbôwn (Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan): This city is listed with Bethbaalmeon as being "in the plain" Joshua 13:17.
- H1769 Dîybôwn (pining; Dibon, the name of three places in Palestine): Dibon is another key city mentioned in the same list as Bethbaalmeon in the plains Joshua 13:17.
- H7156 Qiryâthayim (double city; Kirjathaim, the name of two placed in Palestine): This city is listed immediately before Bethmeon in the prophecy of judgment found in Jeremiah Jeremiah 48:23.
The significance of H1010 is primarily geographical and contextual, tying it to the fate of the surrounding region.
- A City of the Plain: Its inclusion with "all her cities that are in the plain" Joshua 13:17 establishes its location within a specific, level territory east of the Jordan.
- Association with Moabite Territory: The mention of Bethmeon in Jeremiah 48 places it squarely within the context of a prophecy against Moab. Other cities in this regional prophecy, such as Dibon Jeremiah 48:22 and Heshbon Jeremiah 48:2, confirm this geographic association.
- Subject of Divine Judgment: The name appears in Jeremiah 48:23 as part of a list of cities that will face judgment, highlighting its role in the prophetic oracles against the nations.
In summary, H1010 is a specific place name, Bêyth Baʻal Mᵉʻôwn, signifying the "house of Baal of the habitation". Though mentioned only twice, its appearances in scripture firmly locate it among the cities of the plain east of the Jordan. It is listed both as part of a regional territory Joshua 13:17 and as a target of divine judgment against Moab Jeremiah 48:23. The name itself, and its association with other locations, provides a glimpse into the geography and history of the region during the biblical era.
TRV