Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SUCCOTH

(Heb. sukkôṯ)

1. The first encampment of the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt, after leaving Rameses (Exod. 12:37; Num. 33:5-6). Many scholars have suggested that Succoth is an adaption of Egyptian Tjeku (Egyp. tkw), located near Egypt’s western border, although there is some debate about whether Tjeku referred to a border town, an administrative district, or both. Those who believe Tjeku was a town have proposed Tell el-Maskhûṭa in the Wadi Öumilat as the most likely candidate. Excavations at Tell el-Maskhûṭa have revealed structures from the Roman period and earlier building foundations that appear to be part of a typical Egyptian frontier fortress from the time of Pharaoh Neco II. However, excavations reveal an occupational gap at the site between ca. 1650 and 610 b.c.e.

2. A place on the east side of the Jordan Valley near the confluence of the Jabbok and Jordan rivers where, according to Gen. 33:17, Jacob built booths (Heb. sukkôṯ) for his cattle upon his return from Paddan-aram to Canaan. By the time of the Conquest, Succoth had become a Canaanite city within the territory of Sihon of Heshbon. Subsequently it was allotted to the tribe of Gad (Josh. 13:27). Gideon asked the people of Succoth (and Penuel) to provide food for his army while he was pursuing the Midianites. Gideon later punished them for their refusal to grant this request (Judg. 8:5-17). During the time of Solomon, foundries were established near Succoth to cast various bronze implements for the temple (1 Kgs. 7:45-46 = 2 Chr. 4:16-17). Succoth is one of six sites in the valley of Succoth mentioned by Shishak (cf. Ps. 60:6[MT 8]).

At least two candidates have been proposed for Succoth. One is Tell el-Ekjsas (Arab. “booths”), ca. 2.5 km. (1.5 mi.) W of Deir ʿAllā. The second is Deir ʿAllā (208178) itself, where excavation has revealed occupation and/or activity during early biblical periods. The Late Bronze Age settlement appears to have been destroyed early in the 12th century b.c.e., possibly by conflagration. Yohanan Aharoni has suggested that this might reflect Gideon’s vengeance, although such a claim must remain purely speculative. Also of interest are the subsequent Iron I remains, including remnants of furnaces for smelting bronze and post-holes for tents (of metalworkers?), perhaps anticipating the activity of Solomon’s workers in the same area at a slightly later time. The material culture of Deir ʿAllā is as eclectic in nature as might be expected for a border site.

Randall W. Younker

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SUCCOTH

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)