Betomasthem

Unidentified town mentioned in the Book of Judith

Betomasthem (Greek: Βαıτομασθαίμ, Baitomasthaim)[1] or Betomestham (Βετομεσθαίμ, Betomesthaim)[2] is an unidentified town from the Book of Judith.[3]

Location

Betomasthem is described in the Book of Judith as a town "over against Esdraelon, facing the plain that is near Dothaim",[2] and in the vicinity of "Bebai, Chobai, and Cola, in the coasts of Israel".[1] From the manner of its mention, it would seem to have been of equal importance with Bethulia itself, but it is doubtful whether it indicates any historical locality whatever.[4] It can hardly be Deir Massīn, which lies west of "the plain that is near Dothan". The district is clearly indicated, but no identification has been possible.[5] Adam Zertal and Nivi Mirkam have suggested the site of el-Baṭn, located between the Jezreel and Dothan Valleys, as a possible candidate for Betomasthem.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Judith, 15:4.
  2. ^ a b Judith, 4:6.
  3. ^ McClintock; Strong 1880, p. 791.
  4. ^ McClintock; Strong 1880, pp. 791–92.
  5. ^ Orr, ed. 1915, p. 454.
  6. ^ Zertal; Mirkam 2016, pp. 74–75.

Sources

  • Book of Judith.

Attribution:

  • Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: McClintock, John; Strong, James (1880). "Betomas'them, Betomes'tham". Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature. Vol. I.—A, B. New York: Harper & Brothers. pp. 791–92.
  • Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: Orr, James, ed. (1915). "Betomesthaim, Betomasthaim". The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. Vol. I.—A–Clemency. Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company. p. 454.
  • Zertal, Adam; Mirkam, Nivi (2016). The Manasseh Hill Country Survey: Volume 3: From Nahal ‘Iron to Nahal Shechem. BRILL. pp. 74–75. ISBN 978-90-04-31230-2.