Jezreel
VIEW:38 DATA:01-04-2020
JEZREEL.The Hebrew name from which is derived the name of the Plain of Esdraelon (see Esdraelon). The plain is called the Valley of Jezreel in Jos_17:16, Jdg_6:33, Hos_1:5.
1. Primarily, however, it denotes an Important city overlooking the Plain on the south in the border of the tribe of Issachar. Here, by the fountain of Jezreelprobably the powerful spring known as Ain Jalûdthe Israelites encamped against the Philistines before the battle of Gilboa (1Sa_29:1). It is named as an important town in the short-lived kingdom of Ishbosheth (2Sa_2:9). Under Solomon it was in the administrative district of Baana (1Ki_4:12). But the chief interest of the towns history centres in the time of the reign of Ahab, who established here a royal residence, to which he retired when the three years drought came to an end (1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_18:45), and whence he saw and coveted the vineyard of Naboth (21). It is probable, however, that the ivory palace of 1Ki_22:39 was not at Jezreel, but at the capital, Samaria. To Jezreel came Joram to recover from the wounds received in battle with the Syrians (2Ki_8:29); and here, on the revolt of Jehu, were that king and his mother Jezebel slain (ch. 9), as well as all that remained of the house of Ahab (ch. 10). This is the last we hear of Jezreel, which thereafter seems to have sunk into insignificance. The place is represented both in situation and in name by the modern village of Zerin, a poor and dirty hamlet. Except a few ruined tombs and fragments of sarcophagi, there are no remains of antiquity to be seen in the neighbourhood.
2. There was a second Jezreel, of which nothing is known save that it was in the territory of Judah (Jos_15:56) and was the native place of one of Davids wives, Abinoam (1Sa_25:43). 3. A Judahite (1Ch_4:3). 4. The symbolical name of Hoseas eldest son (Hos_1:4). 5. Jezreel (whom God soweth) is a title symbolically applied to Israel in Hos_2:22 f.
R. A. S. Macalister.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
Jez're-el. (seed of God).
1. A descendant of the father, or founder of Etam, of the line of Judah. 1Ch_4:3. (B.C. about 1445).
2. A city, situated in the plain of the same name, between Gilboa and Little Hermon, now generally called Esdraelon. See Esdraelon. It appears in Jos_19:18, but its historical importance dates, from the reign of Ahab, B.C. 918-897, who chose it for his chief residence. The situation of the modern village of Zerin, still remains to show the fitness of his choice. In the neighborhood, or within the town probably, were a temple and grove of Eastward, with an establishment of 400 priests supported by Jezebel. 1Ki_16:33; 2Ki_10:11.
The palace of Ahab, 1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_18:46, probably containing his "ivory house," 1Ki_22:39, was on the eastern side of the city, forming part of the city wall. Compare 1Ki_21:1; 2Ki_9:25; 2Ki_9:30; 2Ki_9:33. Whether the vineyard of Naboth was here, or at Samaria is a doubtful question. Still in the same eastern direction are two springs, one 12 minutes from the town, the other 20 minutes. The latter, probably, from both its size and its situation, was known as "the spring of Jezreel." With the fall of the house of Ahab, the glory of Jezreel departed.
3. A town in Judah, in the neighborhood of the southern Carmel. Jos_15:56. Here David, in his wanderings, took Ahinoam, the Israelitess, for his first wife. 1Sa_27:3; 1Sa_30:5.
4. The eldest son of the prophet, Hosea. Hos_1:4.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
a royal city of the kings of Israel, who sometimes resided here as well as at Samaria. Ahab, in particular, is known to have made this his residence: near to whose palace was the vineyard of the unfortunate Naboth. The name of Jezreel was by the Greeks moulded into that of Esdraela; which is described by Eusebius and Jerom, in the fourth century, as a considerable town. In like manner, the valley of Jezreel obtained the name of the valley or plain of Esdraelon; which is still described as very fertile, and much frequented by the Arabs for its fine pasturage. This is the largest, and at the same time the most fertile, plain in the land of Canaan; and is called, by way of eminence, the Great Plain. It may be estimated at thirty miles in length, and twenty in breadth. The river Kishon flows through it. See ESDRAELON.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.
Among the important centres of northern Israel was the town of Jezreel in the tribal territory of Issachar (Jos_19:17-18). (This town is to be distinguished from the lesser known Jezreel in the tribal territory of Judah to the south; cf. Jos_15:56; 1Sa_25:43.) Jezreel of the north was situated on the edge of the Plain of Esdraelon, where the plain began to slope down into the Valley of Jezreel. This region was often a battleground in Old Testament times, and Jezreel sometimes became involved in the fighting (e.g. 1Sa_29:11; see PALESTINE).
When, during the time of the divided kingdom, the king of Israel established his capital in Samaria, he also built a summer palace at Jezreel. Ahab later expanded this palace by unjustly seizing the adjoining property belonging to Naboth (1Ki_21:1-2; 1Ki_21:16). Ahabs wife Jezebel, their son Joram and others of the royal household were killed at Jezreel in Jehus bloody revolution (2Ki_8:29; 2Ki_9:16-37; 2Ki_10:11; Hos_1:4-5).
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary by Don Fleming
PRINTER 1990.
jez?rḗ-el, jez?rēl (יזרעאל, yizre‛e'l, ?God soweth?):
(1) A city on the border of the territory of Issachar (Jos_19:18).
1. Territory:
It is named with Chesulloth and Shunem (modern Iksāl and Sōlam). It remained loyal to the house of Saul, and is mentioned as part of the kingdom over which Abner set Ishbosheth (2Sa_2:9). From Jezreel came the tidings of Saul and Jonathan's death on Gilboa, which brought disaster to Mephibosheth (2Sa_4:4). The city plays no important part in the history till the time of Ahab. Attracted, doubtless, by the fine position and natural charms of the place, he made it one of his royal residences, building here a palace (1Ki_21:1). This was evidently on the eastern wall; and the gate by which Jehu entered was over-looked by the quarters of Queen Jezebel (2Ki_9:30 f). The royal favor naturally enhanced the dignity of the city, and ?elders? and ?nobles? of Jezreel are mentioned (1Ki_21:8, etc.). Under the influence of Jezebel, an institution for the worship of Baal was founded here, from which, probably, the men were drawn who figured in the memorable contest with Elijah on Carmel (2Ki_10:11). ?The tower in Jezreel? was part of the defenses of the city. It commanded a view of the approach up the valley from Beth-shean - the way followed by the hordes of the East, who, from time immemorial, came westward for the rich pasture of the plain (2Ki_9:17). It was necessary also to keep constant watch, as the district East of the Jordan was always more unsettled than that on the West; and danger thence might appear at any moment. The garden of Naboth seems to have lain to the East of the city (2Ki_9:21 ), near the royal domain, to which Ahab desired to add it as a garden of herbs (1Ki_21:1 ff). See NABOTH. This was the scene of the tragic meetings between Elijah and Ahab (1Ki_21:17 ff), and between Jehu and Joram and Ahaziah (2Ki_9:21). Joram had returned to Jezreel from Ramoth-gilead to be healed of his wounds (2Ki_9:15). By the gateway the dogs devoured Jezebel's body (2Ki_9:31 ff). Naboth had been stoned to death outside the city (1Ki_21:13). Josephus lays the scene by the fountain of Jezreel, and here, he says, the dogs licked the blood washed from the chariot of Ahab (Ant., VIII, xv, 6). This accords with 1Ki_21:19; but 1Ki_22:38 points to the pool at Samaria.
2. Identification:
The site of Jezreel must be sought in a position where a tower would command a view of the road coming up the valley from Beth-shean. It has long been the custom to identify it with the modern village, Zer‛ı̄n, on the northwestern spur of Gilboa. This meets the above condition; and it also agrees with the indications in Eusebius, Onomasticon as lying between Legio (Lejjūn) and Scythopolis (Beisān). Recently, however, Professor A.R.S. Macalister made a series of excavations here, and failed to find any evidence of ancient Israelite occupation. This casts doubt upon the identification, and further excavation is necessary before any certain conclusion can be reached. For the ?fountain which is in Jezreel,? see HAROD, WELL OF.
(2) An unidentified town in the uplands of Judah (Jos_15:56), the home of Ahinoam (1Sa_27:3, etc.).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Jez?reel, a town in the tribe of Issachar (Jos_19:18), where the kings of Israel had a palace, and where the court often resided, although Samaria was the metropolis of the kingdom. It is most frequently mentioned in the history of the house of Ahab. Here was the vineyard of Naboth, which Ahab coveted to enlarge the palace-grounds (1Ki_18:45-46; 1 Kings 21), and here Jehu executed his dreadful commission against the house of Ahab, when Jezebel, Joram, and all who were connected with that wretched dynasty, perished (2Ki_9:14-37; 2Ki_10:1-11). These horrid scenes appear to have given the kings of Israel a distaste to this residence, as it is not again mentioned in their history. It is, however, named by Hosea (Hos_1:4; comp. 1:11; 2:22); and in Judith (Jdt_1:8; Jdt_4:3; Jdt_7:3) it occurs under the name of Esdraelon. In the days of Eusebius and Jerome it was still a large village, called Esdraela. Nothing more is heard of it till the time of the crusades, when it was called by the Franks Parvum Gerinum, and by the Arabs Zerin; and it is described as commanding a wide prospect?on the east to the mountains of Gilead, and on the west to Mount Carmel. But this line of identification seems to have been afterwards lost sight of, and it is only of late that the identification of Zerin and Jezreel has been restored.
Zerin is seated on the brow of a rocky and very steep descent into the great and fertile valley of Jezreel, which runs down between the mountains of Gilboa and Hermon. Lying comparatively high, it commands a wide and noble view, extending down the broad valley on the east to Beisan (Bethshean), and on the west quite across the great plain to the mountains of Carmel. It is described by Dr. Robinson (Researches, iii. 163) as a most magnificent site for a city, which, being itself a conspicuous object in every part, would naturally give its name to the whole region. In the valley directly under Zerin is a considerable fountain, and another still larger somewhat farther to the east, under the northern side of Gilboa, called Ain Jalud. There can, therefore, be little question that, as in Zerin we have Jezreel, so in the valley and the fountain we have the 'valley of Jezreel,' and the fountain of Jezreel, of Scripture.
Zerin has at present little more than twenty humble dwellings, mostly in ruins, and with few inhabitants.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.
Jezreel
(Heb. Yizreel, יְזְרְעֶאל, once יַזְרְעֵאל, 2Ki_9:10; sown by God; Sept. Ι᾿εζραήλ, but sometimes Ι᾿εζρεήλ, Ι᾿εζριήλ, Ι᾿εζράελ, or Ι᾿εζραέλ; Josephus Ι᾿εσράηλα, Ant. 8, 13, 6; Ι᾿εσράελα, Ant. 9, 6, 4), the name of two places and of several men. 1. A town in the tribe of Issachar (Jos_19:18), where the kings of Israel had a palace (2Sa_2:8 sq.), and where the court often resided (1Ki_18:45; 1Ki_21:1; 2Ki_9:30), although Samaria was the metropolis of that kingdom. It is most frequently mentioned in the history of the house of Ahab. In the neighborhood, or within the town probably, was a temple and grove of Astarte, with an establishment of 400 priests supported by Jezebel (1Ki_16:33; 2Ki_10:11). The palace of Ahab (1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_18:46), probably containing his ivory house' (1Ki_22:39), was on the eastern side of the city, forming part of the city wall (comp. 1Ki_21:1; 2Ki_9:25; 2Ki_9:30; 2Ki_9:33). The seraglio, in which Jezebel lived, was on the city wall, and had a high window facing eastward (2Ki_9:30). Close by, if not forming part of this seraglio (as Josephus supposes, Ant. 9, 6, 4), was a watchtower, on which a sentinel stood, to give notice of arrivals from the disturbed district beyond the Jordan (2Ki_9:17). This watchtower, well known as the tower in Jezreel,' may possibly have been the tower or migdal near which the Egyptian army was encamped in the battle between Necho and Josiah (Herod. 2, 159). An ancient square tower which stands amongst the hovels of the modern village may be its representative. The gateway of the city on the east was also the gateway of the palace (2Ki_9:34). Immediately in front of the gateway, and under the city wall, was an open space, such as existed before the neighboring city of Bethshan (2Sa_21:12), and is usually found by the walls of Eastern cities, under the name of the mounds' (see Arabian Nights, passim), whence the dogs, the scavengers of the East, prowled in search of offal (2Ki_9:25). SEE JEZEBEL.
A little further east, but adjacent to the royal domain (1Ki_21:1), was a smooth tract of land cleared out of the uneven valley (2Ki_9:25), which belonged to Naboth, a citizen of Jezreel (2Ki_9:25), by a hereditary right (1Ki_21:3); but the royal grounds were so near that it would have easily been turned into a garden of herbs for the royal use (1Ki_21:2). Here Elijah met Ahab (1Ki_21:17) (Smith). Here was the vineyard of Naboth, which Ahab coveted to enlarge the palace grounds (1Ki_18:45-46; 1 Kings 21), and here Jehu executed his dreadful commission against the house of Ahab, when Jezebel, Jehoram, and all who were connected with that wretched dynasty perished (2Ki_9:14-37; 2Ki_10:1-11). These horrid scenes appear to have given the kings of Israel a distaste for this residence, as it is not again mentioned in their history. It is, however, named by Hosea (Hos_1:4; compare 1:11; 2:22); and in Judith (1:8; 4:3; 7:3) it occurs under the name of Esdraelon (Εσδρηλών), near Dothaim. In the days of Eusebius and Jerome it was still a large village, 12 R. miles from Scythopolis and 10 from Legio, called Esdraela (Εσδράηλα, Onomast. s.v. Ιεζραιέλ, Jezrael); and in the same age it again occurs as Stradela (Itin. Hieros. p. 586). Nothing more is heard of it till the time of the Crusades, when it was called by the Franks Parvum Gerinum, and by the Arabs Zerin (an evident corruption of the old name); and it is described as commanding a wide prospect on the east to the mountains of Gilead, and on the west to Mount Carmel (Will. Tyr. 22, 26). But this line of identification seems to have been afterwards lost sight of, and Jezreel came to be identified with Jenin. Indeed, the village of Zerin ceased to be mentioned by travelers till Turner, Buckingham, and others after them again brought it into notice; and it is still more lately that the identification of Zerin and Jezreel has been restored (Raumer, Palästina, p. 155; Schubert, 3, 164; Elliot, 2, 379; Robinson, 3, 164).
Zerin is seated on the brow of a rocky and very steep descent into the great and fertile valley of Jezreel, which runs down between the mountains of Gilboa and Hermon. Lying comparatively high, it commands a wide and noble view, extending down the broad valley on the east as far as the Jordan (2Ki_9:17) to Beisan (Bethshean), and on the west quite across the great plain to the mountains of Carmel (1Ki_18:46). It is described by Dr. Robinson (Researches, 3, 163) as a most magnificent site for a city, which, being itself a conspicuous object in every part, would naturally give its name to the whole region. In the valley directly under Zerin is a considerable fountain, and another still larger somewhat further to the east, under the northern side of Gilboa, called Ain Jalud. There can, therefore, be little question that as in Zerin we have Jezreel, so in the valley and the fountain we have the valley of Jezreel and the fountain of Jezreel of Scripture. Zerin has at present little more than twenty humble dwellings, mostly in ruins, and with few inhabitants. (See De Saulcy, 1, 79; 2, 306 sq.; Schwarz, p. 164; Thomson, 2, 180.)
The inhabitants of this city were called JEZREELITES (Heb. Yezreëli',
יַזְרְעֵאלַי, 1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_21:4; 1Ki_21:6-7; 1Ki_21:15-16; 2Ki_9:21; 2Ki_9:25).
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.
1. Primarily, however, it denotes an Important city overlooking the Plain on the south in the border of the tribe of Issachar. Here, by the fountain of Jezreelprobably the powerful spring known as Ain Jalûdthe Israelites encamped against the Philistines before the battle of Gilboa (1Sa_29:1). It is named as an important town in the short-lived kingdom of Ishbosheth (2Sa_2:9). Under Solomon it was in the administrative district of Baana (1Ki_4:12). But the chief interest of the towns history centres in the time of the reign of Ahab, who established here a royal residence, to which he retired when the three years drought came to an end (1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_18:45), and whence he saw and coveted the vineyard of Naboth (21). It is probable, however, that the ivory palace of 1Ki_22:39 was not at Jezreel, but at the capital, Samaria. To Jezreel came Joram to recover from the wounds received in battle with the Syrians (2Ki_8:29); and here, on the revolt of Jehu, were that king and his mother Jezebel slain (ch. 9), as well as all that remained of the house of Ahab (ch. 10). This is the last we hear of Jezreel, which thereafter seems to have sunk into insignificance. The place is represented both in situation and in name by the modern village of Zerin, a poor and dirty hamlet. Except a few ruined tombs and fragments of sarcophagi, there are no remains of antiquity to be seen in the neighbourhood.
2. There was a second Jezreel, of which nothing is known save that it was in the territory of Judah (Jos_15:56) and was the native place of one of Davids wives, Abinoam (1Sa_25:43). 3. A Judahite (1Ch_4:3). 4. The symbolical name of Hoseas eldest son (Hos_1:4). 5. Jezreel (whom God soweth) is a title symbolically applied to Israel in Hos_2:22 f.
R. A. S. Macalister.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
Jez're-el. (seed of God).
1. A descendant of the father, or founder of Etam, of the line of Judah. 1Ch_4:3. (B.C. about 1445).
2. A city, situated in the plain of the same name, between Gilboa and Little Hermon, now generally called Esdraelon. See Esdraelon. It appears in Jos_19:18, but its historical importance dates, from the reign of Ahab, B.C. 918-897, who chose it for his chief residence. The situation of the modern village of Zerin, still remains to show the fitness of his choice. In the neighborhood, or within the town probably, were a temple and grove of Eastward, with an establishment of 400 priests supported by Jezebel. 1Ki_16:33; 2Ki_10:11.
The palace of Ahab, 1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_18:46, probably containing his "ivory house," 1Ki_22:39, was on the eastern side of the city, forming part of the city wall. Compare 1Ki_21:1; 2Ki_9:25; 2Ki_9:30; 2Ki_9:33. Whether the vineyard of Naboth was here, or at Samaria is a doubtful question. Still in the same eastern direction are two springs, one 12 minutes from the town, the other 20 minutes. The latter, probably, from both its size and its situation, was known as "the spring of Jezreel." With the fall of the house of Ahab, the glory of Jezreel departed.
3. A town in Judah, in the neighborhood of the southern Carmel. Jos_15:56. Here David, in his wanderings, took Ahinoam, the Israelitess, for his first wife. 1Sa_27:3; 1Sa_30:5.
4. The eldest son of the prophet, Hosea. Hos_1:4.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
a royal city of the kings of Israel, who sometimes resided here as well as at Samaria. Ahab, in particular, is known to have made this his residence: near to whose palace was the vineyard of the unfortunate Naboth. The name of Jezreel was by the Greeks moulded into that of Esdraela; which is described by Eusebius and Jerom, in the fourth century, as a considerable town. In like manner, the valley of Jezreel obtained the name of the valley or plain of Esdraelon; which is still described as very fertile, and much frequented by the Arabs for its fine pasturage. This is the largest, and at the same time the most fertile, plain in the land of Canaan; and is called, by way of eminence, the Great Plain. It may be estimated at thirty miles in length, and twenty in breadth. The river Kishon flows through it. See ESDRAELON.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.
Among the important centres of northern Israel was the town of Jezreel in the tribal territory of Issachar (Jos_19:17-18). (This town is to be distinguished from the lesser known Jezreel in the tribal territory of Judah to the south; cf. Jos_15:56; 1Sa_25:43.) Jezreel of the north was situated on the edge of the Plain of Esdraelon, where the plain began to slope down into the Valley of Jezreel. This region was often a battleground in Old Testament times, and Jezreel sometimes became involved in the fighting (e.g. 1Sa_29:11; see PALESTINE).
When, during the time of the divided kingdom, the king of Israel established his capital in Samaria, he also built a summer palace at Jezreel. Ahab later expanded this palace by unjustly seizing the adjoining property belonging to Naboth (1Ki_21:1-2; 1Ki_21:16). Ahabs wife Jezebel, their son Joram and others of the royal household were killed at Jezreel in Jehus bloody revolution (2Ki_8:29; 2Ki_9:16-37; 2Ki_10:11; Hos_1:4-5).
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary by Don Fleming
PRINTER 1990.
jez?rḗ-el, jez?rēl (יזרעאל, yizre‛e'l, ?God soweth?):
(1) A city on the border of the territory of Issachar (Jos_19:18).
1. Territory:
It is named with Chesulloth and Shunem (modern Iksāl and Sōlam). It remained loyal to the house of Saul, and is mentioned as part of the kingdom over which Abner set Ishbosheth (2Sa_2:9). From Jezreel came the tidings of Saul and Jonathan's death on Gilboa, which brought disaster to Mephibosheth (2Sa_4:4). The city plays no important part in the history till the time of Ahab. Attracted, doubtless, by the fine position and natural charms of the place, he made it one of his royal residences, building here a palace (1Ki_21:1). This was evidently on the eastern wall; and the gate by which Jehu entered was over-looked by the quarters of Queen Jezebel (2Ki_9:30 f). The royal favor naturally enhanced the dignity of the city, and ?elders? and ?nobles? of Jezreel are mentioned (1Ki_21:8, etc.). Under the influence of Jezebel, an institution for the worship of Baal was founded here, from which, probably, the men were drawn who figured in the memorable contest with Elijah on Carmel (2Ki_10:11). ?The tower in Jezreel? was part of the defenses of the city. It commanded a view of the approach up the valley from Beth-shean - the way followed by the hordes of the East, who, from time immemorial, came westward for the rich pasture of the plain (2Ki_9:17). It was necessary also to keep constant watch, as the district East of the Jordan was always more unsettled than that on the West; and danger thence might appear at any moment. The garden of Naboth seems to have lain to the East of the city (2Ki_9:21 ), near the royal domain, to which Ahab desired to add it as a garden of herbs (1Ki_21:1 ff). See NABOTH. This was the scene of the tragic meetings between Elijah and Ahab (1Ki_21:17 ff), and between Jehu and Joram and Ahaziah (2Ki_9:21). Joram had returned to Jezreel from Ramoth-gilead to be healed of his wounds (2Ki_9:15). By the gateway the dogs devoured Jezebel's body (2Ki_9:31 ff). Naboth had been stoned to death outside the city (1Ki_21:13). Josephus lays the scene by the fountain of Jezreel, and here, he says, the dogs licked the blood washed from the chariot of Ahab (Ant., VIII, xv, 6). This accords with 1Ki_21:19; but 1Ki_22:38 points to the pool at Samaria.
2. Identification:
The site of Jezreel must be sought in a position where a tower would command a view of the road coming up the valley from Beth-shean. It has long been the custom to identify it with the modern village, Zer‛ı̄n, on the northwestern spur of Gilboa. This meets the above condition; and it also agrees with the indications in Eusebius, Onomasticon as lying between Legio (Lejjūn) and Scythopolis (Beisān). Recently, however, Professor A.R.S. Macalister made a series of excavations here, and failed to find any evidence of ancient Israelite occupation. This casts doubt upon the identification, and further excavation is necessary before any certain conclusion can be reached. For the ?fountain which is in Jezreel,? see HAROD, WELL OF.
(2) An unidentified town in the uplands of Judah (Jos_15:56), the home of Ahinoam (1Sa_27:3, etc.).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Jez?reel, a town in the tribe of Issachar (Jos_19:18), where the kings of Israel had a palace, and where the court often resided, although Samaria was the metropolis of the kingdom. It is most frequently mentioned in the history of the house of Ahab. Here was the vineyard of Naboth, which Ahab coveted to enlarge the palace-grounds (1Ki_18:45-46; 1 Kings 21), and here Jehu executed his dreadful commission against the house of Ahab, when Jezebel, Joram, and all who were connected with that wretched dynasty, perished (2Ki_9:14-37; 2Ki_10:1-11). These horrid scenes appear to have given the kings of Israel a distaste to this residence, as it is not again mentioned in their history. It is, however, named by Hosea (Hos_1:4; comp. 1:11; 2:22); and in Judith (Jdt_1:8; Jdt_4:3; Jdt_7:3) it occurs under the name of Esdraelon. In the days of Eusebius and Jerome it was still a large village, called Esdraela. Nothing more is heard of it till the time of the crusades, when it was called by the Franks Parvum Gerinum, and by the Arabs Zerin; and it is described as commanding a wide prospect?on the east to the mountains of Gilead, and on the west to Mount Carmel. But this line of identification seems to have been afterwards lost sight of, and it is only of late that the identification of Zerin and Jezreel has been restored.
Zerin is seated on the brow of a rocky and very steep descent into the great and fertile valley of Jezreel, which runs down between the mountains of Gilboa and Hermon. Lying comparatively high, it commands a wide and noble view, extending down the broad valley on the east to Beisan (Bethshean), and on the west quite across the great plain to the mountains of Carmel. It is described by Dr. Robinson (Researches, iii. 163) as a most magnificent site for a city, which, being itself a conspicuous object in every part, would naturally give its name to the whole region. In the valley directly under Zerin is a considerable fountain, and another still larger somewhat farther to the east, under the northern side of Gilboa, called Ain Jalud. There can, therefore, be little question that, as in Zerin we have Jezreel, so in the valley and the fountain we have the 'valley of Jezreel,' and the fountain of Jezreel, of Scripture.
Zerin has at present little more than twenty humble dwellings, mostly in ruins, and with few inhabitants.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.
Jezreel
(Heb. Yizreel, יְזְרְעֶאל, once יַזְרְעֵאל, 2Ki_9:10; sown by God; Sept. Ι᾿εζραήλ, but sometimes Ι᾿εζρεήλ, Ι᾿εζριήλ, Ι᾿εζράελ, or Ι᾿εζραέλ; Josephus Ι᾿εσράηλα, Ant. 8, 13, 6; Ι᾿εσράελα, Ant. 9, 6, 4), the name of two places and of several men. 1. A town in the tribe of Issachar (Jos_19:18), where the kings of Israel had a palace (2Sa_2:8 sq.), and where the court often resided (1Ki_18:45; 1Ki_21:1; 2Ki_9:30), although Samaria was the metropolis of that kingdom. It is most frequently mentioned in the history of the house of Ahab. In the neighborhood, or within the town probably, was a temple and grove of Astarte, with an establishment of 400 priests supported by Jezebel (1Ki_16:33; 2Ki_10:11). The palace of Ahab (1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_18:46), probably containing his ivory house' (1Ki_22:39), was on the eastern side of the city, forming part of the city wall (comp. 1Ki_21:1; 2Ki_9:25; 2Ki_9:30; 2Ki_9:33). The seraglio, in which Jezebel lived, was on the city wall, and had a high window facing eastward (2Ki_9:30). Close by, if not forming part of this seraglio (as Josephus supposes, Ant. 9, 6, 4), was a watchtower, on which a sentinel stood, to give notice of arrivals from the disturbed district beyond the Jordan (2Ki_9:17). This watchtower, well known as the tower in Jezreel,' may possibly have been the tower or migdal near which the Egyptian army was encamped in the battle between Necho and Josiah (Herod. 2, 159). An ancient square tower which stands amongst the hovels of the modern village may be its representative. The gateway of the city on the east was also the gateway of the palace (2Ki_9:34). Immediately in front of the gateway, and under the city wall, was an open space, such as existed before the neighboring city of Bethshan (2Sa_21:12), and is usually found by the walls of Eastern cities, under the name of the mounds' (see Arabian Nights, passim), whence the dogs, the scavengers of the East, prowled in search of offal (2Ki_9:25). SEE JEZEBEL.
A little further east, but adjacent to the royal domain (1Ki_21:1), was a smooth tract of land cleared out of the uneven valley (2Ki_9:25), which belonged to Naboth, a citizen of Jezreel (2Ki_9:25), by a hereditary right (1Ki_21:3); but the royal grounds were so near that it would have easily been turned into a garden of herbs for the royal use (1Ki_21:2). Here Elijah met Ahab (1Ki_21:17) (Smith). Here was the vineyard of Naboth, which Ahab coveted to enlarge the palace grounds (1Ki_18:45-46; 1 Kings 21), and here Jehu executed his dreadful commission against the house of Ahab, when Jezebel, Jehoram, and all who were connected with that wretched dynasty perished (2Ki_9:14-37; 2Ki_10:1-11). These horrid scenes appear to have given the kings of Israel a distaste for this residence, as it is not again mentioned in their history. It is, however, named by Hosea (Hos_1:4; compare 1:11; 2:22); and in Judith (1:8; 4:3; 7:3) it occurs under the name of Esdraelon (Εσδρηλών), near Dothaim. In the days of Eusebius and Jerome it was still a large village, 12 R. miles from Scythopolis and 10 from Legio, called Esdraela (Εσδράηλα, Onomast. s.v. Ιεζραιέλ, Jezrael); and in the same age it again occurs as Stradela (Itin. Hieros. p. 586). Nothing more is heard of it till the time of the Crusades, when it was called by the Franks Parvum Gerinum, and by the Arabs Zerin (an evident corruption of the old name); and it is described as commanding a wide prospect on the east to the mountains of Gilead, and on the west to Mount Carmel (Will. Tyr. 22, 26). But this line of identification seems to have been afterwards lost sight of, and Jezreel came to be identified with Jenin. Indeed, the village of Zerin ceased to be mentioned by travelers till Turner, Buckingham, and others after them again brought it into notice; and it is still more lately that the identification of Zerin and Jezreel has been restored (Raumer, Palästina, p. 155; Schubert, 3, 164; Elliot, 2, 379; Robinson, 3, 164).
Zerin is seated on the brow of a rocky and very steep descent into the great and fertile valley of Jezreel, which runs down between the mountains of Gilboa and Hermon. Lying comparatively high, it commands a wide and noble view, extending down the broad valley on the east as far as the Jordan (2Ki_9:17) to Beisan (Bethshean), and on the west quite across the great plain to the mountains of Carmel (1Ki_18:46). It is described by Dr. Robinson (Researches, 3, 163) as a most magnificent site for a city, which, being itself a conspicuous object in every part, would naturally give its name to the whole region. In the valley directly under Zerin is a considerable fountain, and another still larger somewhat further to the east, under the northern side of Gilboa, called Ain Jalud. There can, therefore, be little question that as in Zerin we have Jezreel, so in the valley and the fountain we have the valley of Jezreel and the fountain of Jezreel of Scripture. Zerin has at present little more than twenty humble dwellings, mostly in ruins, and with few inhabitants. (See De Saulcy, 1, 79; 2, 306 sq.; Schwarz, p. 164; Thomson, 2, 180.)
The inhabitants of this city were called JEZREELITES (Heb. Yezreëli',
יַזְרְעֵאלַי, 1Ki_21:1; 1Ki_21:4; 1Ki_21:6-7; 1Ki_21:15-16; 2Ki_9:21; 2Ki_9:25).
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