Bible Dictionary
HAROSHETH, OF THE GENTILES, OF THE NATIONS
Harosheth of the Gentiles was the base of Sisera’s army in the conflict with Deborah and Barak. After their defeat, the fleeing army returned there; its site is commonly sought near the Kishon and Carmel.
Definition
Harosheth of the Gentiles, also called Harosheth of the Nations, was the place from which Sisera led his army against Deborah and Barak. After the defeat, the army fled back there without its leader.
Biblical Usage
Harosheth is the military base of Sisera in the narrative of Israel’s victory under Deborah and Barak.
Historical Background
The site has been sought at el-Charithiyeh, an ancient stronghold on the north bank of the Kishon near the pass between the coast and Esdraelon. The proposed location commanded an important road.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ha-ro'-sheth or (charosheth ha-goyim): There is now no means of discovering what is meant by the phrase "of the nations." This is the place whence Sisera led his hosts to the Kishon against Deborah and Barak (Jud 4:13), to which the discomfited and leaderless army fled after their defeat (Jud 4:16). No site seems so well to meet the requirements of the narrative as el Charithiyeh. There are still the remains of an ancient stronghold on this great double mound, which rises on the North bank of the Kishon, in the throat of the pass leading by the base of Carmel, from the coast to Esdraelon. It effectually commands the road which here climbs the slope, and winds through the oak forest to the plain; Megiddo being some 16 miles distant. The modern also preserves a reminiscence of the ancient name. By emending the text, Cheyne would here find the name "Kadshon," to be identified with Kedesh in Galilee (EB, under the word). On any reasonable reading of the narrative this is unnecessary.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>