Succoth

Succoth, a city in Canaan allocated to the tribe of Gad, later the site of Solomon's bronze works (Gen. 33:17; Josh. 13:27; 1Kgs. 7:46).

Succoth was a city located in the territory allocated to the tribe of Gad in Canaan (Josh. 13:27). It is first mentioned as the place where Israel (or 'Jacob') built a house for himself and booths (Succoth) for his livestock after his meeting with Esau (Gen. 33:17). During the time of the judges, Gideon and his men pursued the Midianite kings to Succoth and requested provisions, but the officials of Succoth refused, leading to their punishment after the victory (Judg. 8:5-16). In the time of Solomon, Succoth was the location where the bronze works were made for the temple in Jerusalem, as it was situated in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan (1Kgs. 7:46; 2Chr. 4:17). The city is also mentioned in Psalms 60:6 and 108:7 as part of a poetic description of God's dominion over the land.

A city on the east of Jordan, identified with Tell Dar’ala, a high mound, a mass of debris, in the plain north of Jabbok and about one mile from it (Josh. 13:27). Here Jacob (Gen. 32:17, 30; 33:17), on his return from Padan-aram after his interview with Esau, built a house for himself and made booths for his cattle. The princes of this city churlishly refused to afford help to Gideon and his 300 men when “faint yet pursuing” they followed one of the bands of the fugitive Midianites after the great victory at Gilboa. After overtaking and routing this band at Karkor, Gideon on his return visited the rulers of the city with severe punishment. “He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth” (Judg. 8:13-16). At this place were erected the foundries for casting the metal-work for the temple (1 Kings 7:46).