Book of Joshua - Chapter 18 - Verse 22

In this verse, the locations of Betharabah, Zemaraim, and Bethel are listed. Betharabah could possibly refer to a place near the Jordan River, as "Arabah" in Hebrew means "dry" or "desert." Zemaraim is a town mentioned in the Old Testament in the territory of Benjamin. It is believed to be located near present-day Ramallah in the West Bank. Bethel, meaning "house of God" in Hebrew, is a significant location in the Bible. It was a place where Jacob had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, and where he built an altar to worship God. Throughout the Old Testament, Bethel is often referenced as a place of spiritual significance and divine encounters.

These three place names mentioned in the verse come from the Old Testament, specifically from the book of Joshua. Betharabah, Zemaraim, and Bethel have historical and theological significance within the context of biblical narratives. Betharabah, which means "house of the Arabah," was a city in the territory of the tribe of Judah, located in the Arabah valley. Zemaraim is believed to have been a city in the mountains of Judah, a place where Rehoboam fortified after the division of the kingdom. Lastly, Bethel, meaning "house of God," is a well-known city that plays a prominent role in the stories of Jacob and his encounter with God. These place names serve as reminders of the rich history and religious significance of the land of Israel, highlighting the spiritual heritage and connection of the people to their God.