CHAP. LX. Scythopolis. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Beth-shan the beginning of Galilee. (Book 60)
THE bounds of Galilee were a 1.1 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: on the South Samaris, and Scythopolis, unto the stood of Jordan.
Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shan, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Jos. XVII. 11. Judg. I. 27. 1 Sam. XXXI. 10. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: b 1.2 Bethsane, saith Josephus, called by the Greeks Scythopolis. It was di∣stant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great Valley: for so the same Author writes, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Having passed Jordan they came to a great plain, where lies before you the City Bethsane, &c.
c 1.3 Before time it was called Nysa (Pliny being our Author) by Father Bacchus, his nurse being there buried.
It was a part of the land of Israel, when it was first subdued, but scarcely, when it was subdued the second time; as d 1.4 R. Solomon speaks not amiss. Hence it passed into a Greek denomination, and was inhabited by Gentiles. Among whom nevertheless not a few Jews dwelt, who also had sometime their Schools there, and their Doctors. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, e 1.5 The men of Bethshean asked R. Immi, What if a man take away stones from one Synagogue, and build another Synagogue with them? He answer∣ed, It is not lawful. And mention is made 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, f 1.6 of something done in Beth-shean by the Doctors about the wine of the Heathen.
g 1.7 Resh Lachish saith, if Paradice be in the land of Israel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Beth-shean is the gate of it: if it be in Arabia, Beth-Geram is the gate of it: if among the Rivers, Damascus. The Gloss is, The fruits of Beth-shean were the sweetest of all in the land of Israel. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. h 1.8 Fine linnin garments were made in Beth-shean.