Encyclopedia entry
Zeboim
Disambiguation
The source enumerates 3 distinct subjects under Zeboim. Jump to one below, or read in order.
Gazelles or roes.
Zeboim (1)
#One of the “five cities of the plain” of Sodom, generally coupled with Admah (Gen. 10:19; 14:2; Deut. 29:23; Hos. 11:8). It had a king of its own (Shemeber), and was therefore a place of some importance. It was destroyed along with the other cities of the plain.
Zeboim (2)
#A valley or rugged glen somewhere near Gibeah in Benjamin (1 Sam. 13:18). It was probably the ravine now bearing the name Wady Shakh-ed-Dub’a, or “ravine of the hyena,” north of Jericho.
Zeboim (3)
#A place mentioned only in Neh. 11:34, inhabited by the Benjamites after the Captivity.
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(gazelles).
One of the five cities of the “plain” or circle of Jordan. It is mentioned in (Genesis 10:19; 14:2,8; 29:23; Hosea 11:8) in each, of which passages it is either coupled with Admah or placed next it in the lists—perhaps represented by Talaa Sebaan, a name attached to extensive ruins on the high ground between the Dead Sea and Kerak . In (Genesis 14:2,8) the name is given more correctly in the Authorized Version ZEBOIIM. The valley of Zeboim, a ravine or gorge, apparently east of Michmash, mentioned only in (1 Samuel 13:18) The road running from Michmash to the east is specified as “the road of the border that looketh to the ravine of Zeboim toward the wilderness.” The wilderness is no doubt the district of uncultivated mountain tops and sides which lies between the central district of Benjamin and the Jordan valley. In that very district there is a wild gorge bearing the name of Shuk ed-Dubba’, ravine of the hyena, “the exact equivalent of Ge hat-tsebo’im .
In the Bible
5
Verses where Zeboim is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Samuel 13:18
another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness.
- Deuteronomy 29:23
All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger.
- Genesis 10:19
and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.
- Hosea 11:8
How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!
- Nehemiah 11:34
Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
Entries that reference Zeboim
6
See all 6 +−
Zeboim references
13
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.