### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Bêyth Shᵉʼân**, represented by `{{H1052}}`, means "house of ease." It is also written as **Beth-Shan**. This location in Palestine appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. It is identified as a significant city, often mentioned in the context of territorial allotments and military conflicts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1052}}` is primarily established as a Canaanite stronghold within the territory allotted to Manasseh [[Joshua 17:11]]. The children of Joseph expressed fear of its inhabitants, who possessed formidable **chariots** `{{H7393}}` of **iron** `{{H1270}}` [[Joshua 17:16]]. Consequently, Manasseh failed to **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the Canaanites, who **would** `{{H2974}}` continue to **dwell** `{{H3427}}` in that **land** `{{H776}}` [[Judges 1:27]]. The city gains its most somber significance as the place where the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` **fastened** `{{H8628}}` the **body** `{{H1472}}` of **Saul** `{{H7586}}` to the **wall** `{{H2346}}` after he was **slain** `{{H5221}}` in **Gilboa** `{{H1533}}` [[1 Samuel 31:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding **Bêyth Shᵉʼân**:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word forms the first part of the name **Bêyth Shᵉʼân** ("**house** of ease"). It is also used to describe the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Ashtaroth** `{{H6252}}`, where the Philistines placed Saul's armour [[1 Samuel 31:10]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (wall): This term is central to the account of Saul's death, as his **body** `{{H1472}}` was fastened to the **wall** `{{H2346}}` of Bethshan, an act of public desecration by the Philistines ([[1 Samuel 31:10]], [[1 Samuel 31:12]]).
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): This group of people were the victors who **slew** `{{H5221}}` Saul and **hanged** `{{H8511}}` his body on the wall of Bethshan, marking a significant defeat for Israel [[2 Samuel 21:12]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H1052}}` is multifaceted:
* **Site of Incomplete Conquest:** Bethshean stands as a symbol of Israel's failure to fully **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the Canaanite inhabitants from their promised territory, highlighting a persistent source of conflict and a lack of complete possession [[Judges 1:27]].
* **Place of National Defeat and Shame:** The city is the location of one of Israel's most profound humiliations, where the body of its first anointed king, **Saul** `{{H7586}}`, was publicly displayed after his defeat [[1 Samuel 31:10]].
* **Stage for Heroic Loyalty:** In response to this disgrace, the **valiant** `{{H2428}}` **men** `{{H376}}` of **Jabesh** `{{H3003}}` undertook a perilous night mission to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall, demonstrating profound loyalty and courage [[1 Samuel 31:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1052}}` is far more than a geographical location. While its name suggests a "house of ease," its biblical history is one of conflict, failure, and tragedy. It serves as a critical backdrop for understanding the challenges of the Israelite conquest, the consequences of military defeat, and the powerful display of loyalty in the face of national shame. The story of Bethshan encapsulates both the depths of Israel's disgrace and the heights of its valor.
TRV