Concise Bible Dictionary:
A place or “wilderness” of Benjamin near Bethel (Josh. 7:2; Josh. 18:12; 1 Sam. 13:5; 1 Sam. 14:23; Hos. 4:15; Hos. 5:8; Hos. 10:5). Though this is said to be on the east of Bethel, in Hosea it would appear to be a name given to Bethel itself as being no longer the “house of God,” but the “house of vanity” because of the idols there.
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
House of vanity, i. e., naught, or badness:―a place in Palestine, Josh. 7:2. {Domus vanitatis}