Succoth
“Booths; shelters”
Summary
The name of two biblical places: a town east of the Jordan where Jacob built booths, and the first camping place of the Israelites after leaving Egypt.
☩Succoth East of Jordan
This town derived its name from the 'booths' (sukkoth) Jacob built there for his cattle after parting from Esau. It was allotted to the tribe of Gad and lay in the Jordan valley north of the Jabbok River. During Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, the men of Succoth refused to give bread to his weary soldiers, resulting in severe punishment upon his return. Solomon later established brass foundries between Succoth and Zarethan for casting the Temple's bronze furnishings.
☩The Valley of Succoth
A valley associated with the town is mentioned in the Psalms, where God promises to divide up the Valley of Succoth as part of Israel's inheritance. This valley was apparently a section of the Jordan valley known for its fertility.
☩Succoth in Egypt
The first camping place of the Israelites after leaving Rameses in Egypt was also called Succoth. This was reached at the close of the first day's march, before they came to Etham at the edge of the wilderness. The site was probably a caravan resting place or military station named for its shelters.
Related Verses17 mentions
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Succoth," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Succoth (1)," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Succoth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).