### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Bêyth Chôwrôwn**, or Beth-horon, is represented by `{{H1032}}`. The name means "house of hollowness" and refers to two adjoining locations in Palestine. It appears 14 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible, primarily as a geographical marker for significant military and structural events in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1032}}` is most famously the site of a miraculous victory. During Joshua's conquest, God **discomfited** Israel's enemies along the ascent to Beth-horon, and in the "going down to Bethhoron," He **cast down** great **stones** from heaven upon the fleeing armies [[Joshua 10:10-11]]. The location also served as a critical boundary marker for tribal inheritances ([[Joshua 16:5]], [[Joshua 18:13]]). Later, it became a focus of royal construction, with both the upper and nether Beth-horon being **built** by Solomon as **fenced** cities [[2 Chronicles 8:5]] and by a woman named Sherah [[1 Chronicles 7:24]]. It was also designated as a Levitical city [[Joshua 21:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at Beth-horon:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word is central to Beth-horon's development as a fortified place. It was **built** by Solomon and also by Sherah, daughter of Ephraim ([[1 Kings 9:17]], [[1 Chronicles 7:24]]). The act of building is seen as a way to establish permanence and security.
* `{{H2000}}` **hâmam** (to discomfit, disturb, destroy): This term describes God's direct action in the battle at Beth-horon, where the LORD **discomfited** the Amorite kings before Israel, creating chaos and enabling their defeat [[Joshua 10:10]].
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend): This word highlights the specific topography of Beth-horon. The "going down" or descent of Beth-horon was where God's judgment with hailstones was most severe [[Joshua 10:11]]. The border of the inheritance also **descended** near the location [[Joshua 18:13]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to smite): This word appears in connection with the violence at Beth-horon. Israel **smote** their enemies on the way to the city [[Joshua 10:10]], and later, the cities of Judah up to Beth-horon were attacked and three thousand people were **smote** [[2 Chronicles 25:13]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1032}}` is demonstrated through several key themes:
* **A Stage for Divine Warfare:** Beth-horon is primarily remembered as a place where God fought for Israel. The miraculous hailstorm that **killed** more enemy soldiers than the Israelite **sword** established it as a testament to God's power to intervene directly in human conflict [[Joshua 10:11]].
* **A Strategic Fortification:** Its repeated mention as a city that was **built** and fortified by figures like Solomon shows its strategic value. It was established as a **fenced** city with walls and gates, underscoring its importance for national defense [[2 Chronicles 8:5]].
* **An Important Geographical and Sacred Landmark:** The name consistently appears in lists defining tribal boundaries, making it essential to the organization of the promised land ([[Joshua 16:3]], [[Joshua 18:14]]). Its designation as a Levitical city also gives it a sacred status within Israel's religious life [[1 Chronicles 6:68]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1032}}` signifies far more than a simple geographical location. **Bêyth Chôwrôwn** is a place of profound historical and theological weight. It is a memorial to God's miraculous power in battle, a strategic asset in the kingdom of Israel, and a foundational landmark in the civic and religious life of the nation. The story of Beth-horon demonstrates how a physical place can become interwoven with the identity and faith of God's people.
TRV