The Hebrew word Bêyth Diblâthayim, represented by H1015, is defined as the house of (the) two figcakes. This name refers to Beth-Diblathajim, a place located East of the Jordan. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its significance highly specific to its single context.
The sole appearance of H1015 is in a prophecy of judgment against the nation of Moab. It is listed among a series of Moabite cities that will face divine reckoning. The passage states, "And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim" Jeremiah 48:22. This singular mention firmly places the location within a geographical and prophetic context of destruction and downfall.
The verse in which H1015 appears connects it to other significant locations in Moab:
- H1769 Dîybôwn (Dibon): Defined as "pining," Dibon is a prominent city of Moab. It is mentioned as a place whose inhabitants will be brought down from their glory Jeremiah 48:18 and also as a city built by the children of Gad Numbers 32:34.
- H5015 Nᵉbôw (Nebo): This name refers to a Babylonian deity, a mountain in Moab, and a place in Palestine. As a Moabite city, it is subject to woe and spoilage Jeremiah 48:1, and it is famously the mountain from which Moses viewed the promised land Deuteronomy 34:1.
The significance of H1015 is primarily geographical and contextual rather than theological.
- A Moabite City: The definition explicitly places it "East of the Jordan," and its usage in Jeremiah 48 confirms its identity as a city within the territory of Moab.
- Subject of Judgment: Its only biblical role is to be named as a target of the divine judgment proclaimed by Jeremiah. This ties its identity to the fate of Moab as a whole.
- Geographical Grouping: It is mentioned alongside H1769 Dibon and H5015 Nebo, which are frequently referenced cities in the region, helping to pinpoint its location within this well-established, and often contested, biblical landscape.
In summary, Bêyth Diblâthayim H1015 is a place name whose meaning, "house of (the) two figcakes," is overshadowed by its singular, stark appearance in scripture. Its entire biblical identity is derived from its inclusion in a list of Moabite cities condemned to judgment in the book of Jeremiah. While an obscure location, its association with the well-known cities of Dibon and Nebo firmly anchors it within the geography of ancient Moab.
TRV