Bible Dictionary
Ether
Ether was a town in the low country of Judah that was later assigned to the tribe of Simeon. Its exact location is uncertain, though a possible site has been proposed near Beit Jibrin.
Definition
Ether was a town of Judah in the low country, or Shephelah. It was later allotted to the tribe of Simeon and stood near Libnah.
Biblical Usage
Ether is listed among the cities of Judah and then among the towns assigned to Simeon.
Historical Background
Ether has possibly been identified with Khirbet el-`Atr near Beit Jibrin. The proposed site is described as having cisterns, foundations, quarried rock, and terraces.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(abundance), one of the cities of Judah in the low country, the Shefelah, (Joshua 15:42) allotted to Simeon. (Joshua 19:7)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e'-ther (`ether; Ather):</p><p>A town in Judah (Jos 15:42), near Libnah, assigned to Simeon (Jos 19:7). Kh. el `Atr (identical in spelling with Ether) is possibly the site.</p><p>It is near Beit Jibrin and is described as "an ancient site: cisterns, foundations, quarried rock and terraces" (PEF, III, 261, 279).</p>