Bible Dictionary
Harosheth of the Gentiles
A city in northern Canaan, probably near the entrance to the plain of Esdraelon. It was the base of Jabin’s army and the destination of Israel’s pursuit after its defeat.
Definition
Harosheth of the Gentiles was a city in northern Canaan, near Hazor and the region called Galilee of the Gentiles. It was the place where Jabin’s army was assembled before its defeat by Israel.
Biblical Usage
Jabin’s army and iron chariots were marshalled at Harosheth before going to battle in the plain of Esdraelon. After the defeat, Israel pursued the army to this place.
Historical Background
The Hebrew name means “the smithy of the nations.” The city was identified with el-Harithiyeh and was placed at the entrance of the pass to Esdraelon from the plain of Acre, near Carmel.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Judg. 4:2) or nations, a city near Hazor in Galilee of the Gentiles, or Upper Galilee, in the north of Palestine. It was here that Jabin’s great army was marshalled before it went forth into the great battlefield of Esdraelon to encounter the army of Israel, by which it was routed and put to flight (Judg. 4). It was situated “at the entrance of the pass to Esdraelon from the plain of Acre” at the base of Carmel. The name in the Hebrew is Harosheth ha Gojim, i.e., “the smithy of the nations;” probably, as is supposed, so called because here Jabin’s iron war-chariots, armed with scythes, were made. It is identified with el-Harithiyeh.