or (shortened) בֵּית מַרְכָּבוֹת; from בַּיִת and the plural of מֶרְכָּבָה (with or without the article interposed); place of (the) chariots; Beth-ham-Markaboth or Beth-Markaboth, a place in Palestine; Bethmarcaboth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew toponym **Bêyth ham-Markâbôwth**, represented by `{{H1024}}`, identifies a location in Palestine whose name means **"place of (the) chariots"**. A shortened form, Beth-Markaboth, is also used. This place name appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in Scripture, always as part of a geographical list.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1024}}` is documented as a specific city. It is mentioned in a list of cities in [[Joshua 19:5]]. A parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 4:31]] also includes it in an inventory of locations, identifying them as **cities** `{{H5892}}` that were held "unto the **reign** `{{H4427}}` of **David** `{{H1732}}`".
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and function of Bethmarcaboth:
* `{{H2701}}` **Chătsar Çûwçâh** (village of cavalry): Listed alongside Bethmarcaboth in [[Joshua 19:5]], its name reinforces the location's association with mounted forces.
* `{{H2702}}` **Chătsar Çûwçîym** (village of horses): This place is mentioned with Bethmarcaboth in [[1 Chronicles 4:31]], further strengthening the connection to horses and, by extension, chariots.
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): The text explicitly uses this word to categorize Bethmarcaboth and its associated towns, confirming their status as established settlements [[1 Chronicles 4:31]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1024}}` is primarily historical and geographical, rather than theological. Its meaning provides direct insight into its likely function in ancient Israel.
* **Strategic Function:** The name "place of (the) chariots" strongly suggests a military or administrative center, possibly a garrison town where chariot forces were stationed or built.
* **Geographical Cluster:** Its appearance alongside locations named "village of cavalry" and "village of horses" points to a regional hub dedicated to military transportation ([[Joshua 19:5]], [[1 Chronicles 4:31]]).
* **Historical Marker:** The reference that these were **cities** `{{H5892}}` "unto the **reign** `{{H4427}}` of **David** `{{H1732}}`" anchors the location to a specific period, likely marking a boundary or possession before the consolidation of David's kingdom.
### Summary
In summary, **Bêyth ham-Markâbôwth** `{{H1024}}` is a specific place name whose meaning is descriptive of its purpose. It is consistently presented as a **city** `{{H5892}}` within a cluster of strategically named towns related to horses and cavalry. Its mention in Scripture serves as a geographical and historical marker, providing a glimpse into the military landscape of Israel prior to the **reign** of **David** `{{H1732}}`.
TRV