Bethelite
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Bethelite in the Bible?
Bethelite denotes Hiel, the individual from Bethel who reconstructed the city of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab, an act that fulfilled the prophetic curse pronounced by Joshua.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the term Bethelite as a reference to Hiel clarifies the specific fulfillment of Joshua's curse in 1 Kings 16:34, thereby illustrating the theological continuity between the conquest of Canaan and the era of the monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Bethelite reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bethelite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bethelite clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Kings 16:34
Related Topics
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bethelite." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bethelite/