Bible Encyclopedias

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Ataroth

at´a -roth , a -tā´roth עטרות , Atarō̇th ):

(1) A city east of the Jordan, apparently in the territory given to Reuben, but built, or fortified, by the children of Gad (Numbers 32:3 , Numbers 32:34 ). It is named along with Dibon, which is identified with Dhı̄bān . Eight miles Northeast by North of Dibon, on the South of Wādy Zerḳā Ma‛ı̄n , stands Jebel ‛Attārūs , in which the ancient name is preserved. The city is doubtless represented by Khirbet ‛Attārūs , about 4 miles West of the mountain.

(2) A place on the boundary between Ephraim and Benjamin, toward the West (Joshua 16:2 ). It seems to be the same as Ataroth-addar of Joshua 16:5 and Joshua 18:13 . It is probably to be identified with the modern ed -Dāriyeh South of nether Bethhoron, and about 12 1/2 miles West of Jerusalem.

(3) A place on the eastern frontier of Ephraim (Joshua 16:7 ). This town has not been identified. Conder thinks it may be identified with et -Trūneh in the Jordan valley, or with Khirbet et -Taiyereh .