About Beit Shemesh

Lying in the heart of the Judean Foothills, ancient Beit Shemesh was a border city in Canaanite and Israelite times. It was the most important Israelite city in the Sorek Valley as it is situated along the main route leading south to Lachish, passing by most of the major cities of the Shephelah.

Beit Shemesh History

Beit Shemesh, meaning “house of the sun”, was a large Canaanite city. It was initially given to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:41). It was also a Levitical city (Joshua 21:16). It was one of the twelve districts of the Kingdom of Solomon. It played a significant role in the history of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6:12-13).

Sorek Valley

On the north side of the Sorek Valley are the ancient villages of Zorah and Eshtaol. Samson was born in Zorah. He would have travelled down this valley numerous times including the time when he killed the lion (Judges 14:6) and later when he tied the tails of 300 foxes together (Judges 15:4).

Archaeological Finds

Excavations have revealed a big underground water reservoir, probably the largest Iron Age reservoir known in Israel. The reservoir could have supplied the town’s inhabitants with water to survive a three-month siege.