BETHAVEN
BETHAVEN commonly supposed to be identical with Bethel, so called after that city had become the scene of idol-worship, Beth-aven signifying “the house of vanity.” But in
Josh. (7.2) the two places are distinguished, Ai being placed “beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Bethel.” Michmash is also placed “eastward from Bethaven.” (1
Sam. 13.2.)
It is joined with Gibeah and Ramah, and ascribed to Benjamin. (
Hos. 5.8.) The LXX. translate it (in
Josh. 7.2)
Βαιθήλ, (in 18.12)
Βαιθών, (in
Hos. 5.8)
οἴκῳ Ὦν [
G.W]