Bethany
“House of dates, or house of depression”
Summary
A village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and a frequent lodging place of Jesus.
☩Location
Bethany was a village about fifteen furlongs (approximately two miles) from Jerusalem, on the road to Jericho, at the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Today it is known as el-Azariyeh ('the place of Lazarus'), though it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
☩Home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary
This village was the residence of the siblings Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, whom Jesus loved. It was here that Martha served while Mary sat at Jesus' feet, and here that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb. The Lord found rest and welcome in their home, making it His Judean home rather than lodging in Jerusalem itself.
☩Key Events
Several significant events occurred in or near Bethany. Jesus attended a feast in the house of Simon the leper, where He was anointed with costly ointment. It was from Bethany that the disciples obtained the colt upon which Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. After His resurrection, Jesus led His disciples out as far as Bethany, blessed them, and ascended into heaven.
Related Verses13 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bethany," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Bethany," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Bethany," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).