Beth-Car
LocationsGeographical Setting
Beth-car is an ancient settlement in the territory of Benjamin, identified with the modern site of Ain Karim near Jerusalem.
What is the meaning of Beth-Car in the Bible?
Beth-car is a location mentioned in 1 Samuel 7:11, where the men of Israel pursued and smote the Philistines until they came under Beth-car. The identification of Beth-car has been suggested to be 'Ain Karem or possibly Nebo Samwil.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Beth-car with Ain Karim helps readers visualize the specific topography of the Benjaminite highlands during the early monarchy period, illustrating the strategic importance of the region in the conflict between Israel and the Philistines.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Beth-Car in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beth-Car clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.