Zemaraim
Summary
A town in Benjamin and a mountain in Ephraim where King Abijah of Judah delivered his address to the northern tribes before defeating Jeroboam.
☩The Town
Zemaraim was an ancient town in the territory of Benjamin, listed between Beth-arabah and Bethel, suggesting a location in the eastern section of the tribe near the Jordan valley or the mountain slopes above it. It is usually identified with the ruins of es-Sumra, about five miles north of Jericho.
☩Mount Zemaraim
Mount Zemaraim, probably named after the town, was located in the hill country of Ephraim. From this height, King Abijah of Judah addressed King Jeroboam and the northern army before battle, reminding them that Judah still possessed the legitimate Davidic kingship and the true worship of Yahweh. Despite being outnumbered two to one, Abijah won a crushing victory.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Zemaraim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Zemaraim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).