Dothan
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient valley situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, historically associated with pastoral activities and biblical narratives involving the patriarchs and the prophet Elisha.
âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A valley north of Shechem where Jacob's sons pastured their flocks and where Joseph was sold by his brothers to Ishmaelite traders, as well as the site where Elisha's servant witnessed a divine army of horses and chariots of fire.
What is the meaning of Dothan in the Bible?
A valley north of Shechem where Jacob's sons pastured their flocks and where Joseph was sold by his brothers to Ishmaelite traders, as well as the site where Elisha's servant witnessed a divine army of horses and chariots of fire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Dothan provides geographical context for the early life of Joseph and illustrates the narrative tension between divine protection and human conflict in the prophetic accounts of Elisha.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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- What cultural or historical assumption does Dothan clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.