Ir-Shemesh
LocationsGeographical Setting
Ir-shemesh is an ancient settlement in the Judean lowlands, frequently associated with the biblical city of Beth-shemesh.
âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Ir-shemesh is a location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in Joshua 19:41 as one of the cities assigned to the tribe of Judah. The name translates to 'City of the Sun.' It is widely identified by scholars with the site of Beth-shemesh, or potentially a distinct but nearby settlement within the same administrative district.
What is the meaning of Ir-Shemesh in the Bible?
Ir-shemesh is a location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in Joshua 19:41 as one of the cities assigned to the tribe of Judah. The name translates to 'City of the Sun.' It is widely identified by scholars with the site of Beth-shemesh, or potentially a distinct but nearby settlement within the same administrative district.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ir-shemesh clarifies the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Judah and helps readers visualize the geographic distribution of Levitical cities in the Shephelah region.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Ir-Shemesh in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ir-Shemesh clarify?
Related Topics
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.