house of rock, a town in the mountains of Judah (Jos 15:58), about 4 miles to the north of Hebron. It was built by Rehoboam for the defence of his kingdom (2Ch 11:7). It stood near the modern ed-Dirweh. Its ruins are still seen on a hill which bears the name of Beit-Sur, and which commands the road from Beer-sheba and Hebron to Jerusalem from the south.

("house of rock".) One of Judaea's strongest fortresses in the mountains of Judah, between Halhul and Gedor (Jos 15:58). Maon, sprung from Hebron, was the father, i.e. founder, of Bethzur. It was fortified by Rehoboam as a stronghold of his new kingdom (2Ch 11:7). The people of Bethzur helped Nehemiah (Ne 3:16) to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. A district was attached to it, half of which Nehemiah, son of Azbuk, was ruler over. Now Beitsur, commanding the road from Beersheba and Hebron, the main way to Jerusalem from the S. The adjoining spring traditions made the scene of the eunuch's baptism by Philip. The fact of its not being near the road to Gaza makes this doubtful (Ac 8:26,36).

Beth'-zur

City in the mountains of Judah, apparently founded by Maon. The city was built or fortified by Rehoboam on the division of the tribes. Jos 15:58; 1Ch 2:45; 2Ch 11:7; Ne 3:16. Identified with Beit Sur, 31 36' N, 35 6' E. It commanded the road from Beer-sheba to Jerusalem, and is often referred to in the Wars of the Maccabees.

Beth'zur

(house of rock) a town in the mountains of Judah, built by Jeroboam,

Jos 15:58; 2Ch 11:7

now Beit-zur. It commands the road from Beersheba and Hebron, which has always been the main approach to Jerusalem from the south.