1. Descendant of “the father of Etam” (1 Chron. 4:3). (Six Hebrew MSS, the LXX, and the Vulgate read “sons” instead of “father.”)
2-3. Symbolical name both of the son of Hosea and of Israel (Hos. 1:4,11). Jezreel is interpreted both “God scatters” and “God sows.” Hosea 1:4 refers to judgment upon the house of Jehu and the house of Israel; and Hosea 1:11 to blessing, when of both Israel and Judah it will be said, “Ye are the sons of the living God.” Then “great shall be the day of Jezreel” (compare Hosea 2:22-23): “I will sow her unto me in the earth.” Then God will say to her, “Thou art My people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.”
4. City of Judah, from whence David married Ahinoam (Josh. 15:56; 1 Sam. 25:43; 1 Sam. 29:1,11).
5. City in Issachar, the abode of Ahab and Jezebel, and principally connected with their history. It was the scene of Jezebel’s tragical end (Josh. 19:18; 2 Sam. 2:9; 2 Sam. 4:4; 1 Kings 18:45-46; 1 Kings 21:1, 23; 2 Kings 8:29; 2 Kings 9:10-37; 2 Kings 10:1-11). Identified with Zerim, 32° 34' N, 35° 19' E.
6. The extensive valley or plain in which the last-named city was situated, in southern Galilee. It has been called the battle-field of Palestine. It was where Barak triumphed, and where Josiah was defeated (Judg. 5:19; 2 Chron. 35:22)—Megiddo being in the same locality. It is also perhaps the place where the great battle of Armageddon will be fought (Rev. 16:16). It is a very fertile plain, and is now well cultivated (Compare Hosea 2:22; Josh. 17:16; Judg. 6:33; Hos. 1:5). The name ESDRAELON is given to this valley in the Apocryphal Book of Judith 3. 9. Now called Merj Ibn Amir.