Beth-shan

Beth-shan´; also Beth-shean

An important biblical city located between the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys. At the time of the Israelite conquest (1250–1200 BCE), Beth-shan was listed among the cities of Manasseh. However, the Israelites were unable to conquer the city because of the strength of the Canaanites living in it (Josh 17:11-12; Judg 1:27). Later, (1Sam 31:12) relates that the bodies of Saul and his sons were exposed on the walls of Beth-shan by the Philistines. In the NT era, the town was known as Scythopolis, the only city of the Decapolis west of the Jordan River.