Zarethan

Zarethan, a place near Adam and the Jordan River, mentioned in connection with Israel's crossing and the casting of bronze implements for Solomon's Temple (Josh. 3:16; 1Kgs. 4:12; 7:46; 2Chr. 4:17; Judg. 7:22).

Zarethan, also known by various spellings such as Zaretan, Zartanah, Zererah, and Zeredah, is a place mentioned in the Bible in connection with several significant events. It is first mentioned in Joshua 3:16 as a location near Adam where the waters of the Jordan River were cut off, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. Later, in the account of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianites, Zarethan is mentioned as a point of reference (Judg. 7:22). During the reign of Solomon, Zarethan is noted as the place where Hiram, a Phoenician craftsman, cast bronze implements for the Temple in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan (1Kgs. 7:46; 2Chr. 4:17). The city is also mentioned in 1Ki.4.12 to help locate Beth-Shean, which was in Solomon's fifth administrative district. Although the exact location of Zarethan is uncertain, it is believed to have been situated in the Jordan Valley, possibly on the west bank of the river. Some scholars propose identifying it with Tell el-Mazar (also known as Qerawa or Korea) near Mount Sartabe, while others suggest it may have been on the east bank. Regardless of its precise location, Zarethan played a role in significant events in Israel's history, from the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the construction of Solomon's Temple.

When the Hebrews crossed the Jordan, as soon as the feet of the priests were dipped in the water, the flow of the stream was arrested. The point of arrest was the “city of Adam beside Zaretan,” probably near Succoth, at the mouth of the Jabbok, some 30 miles up the river from where the people were encamped. There the water “stood and rose upon an heap.” Thus the whole space of 30 miles of the river-bed was dry, that the tribes might pass over (Josh. 3:16, 17; comp. Ps. 104:3).