Bible Dictionaries
Beth-Haccerem

Holman Bible Dictionary

(behth-hac' ce rehm) or BETH-HACCHEREM Place name meaning, “house of the vineyard.” City used to signal that enemies approached from the north (Jeremiah 6:1 ). Its leading official helped Nehemiah repair the dung gate (Nehemiah 3:14 ). It is probably modern Ramat Rahel halfway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Archaeological excavations show it was founded about 800 B.C. It sits high on a hill surveying the surrounding countryside. One of the later kings of Judah built a grand palace there. Apparently Jehoiakim (609-597) built the palace, which fits the description of Jeremiah 22:13-19 . After the return from Exile, it served as an administrative center.