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Dothan

Dothan City

CityOld Testament
32.4167°N, 35.2333°E View on Map

About Dothan

Dothan was a city in the hill country of Israel. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery here. Later, when the Aramean army surrounded Dothan to capture Elisha, God opened his servant's eyes to see the hills filled with horses and chariots of fire protecting them.

Events at Dothan

Joseph sold by his brothers
Joseph sold by his brothers

Dothan · GEN 37:28

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JosephLinked to this placeJosephSold into slavery by his brothers at Dothan

History of Dothan

  1. Patriarchal~1898 BC

    Joseph finds his brothers pasturing flocks at Dothan

    GEN 37:17

  2. Patriarchal~1898 BC

    Joseph's brothers throw him into a pit and sell him to merchants

    GEN 37:18-28

  3. Divided Kingdom~850 BC

    Syrian army surrounds Elisha at Dothan; God reveals his angelic army

    2KI 6:13-17

  4. Divided Kingdom~850 BC

    Elisha strikes the Syrian army with blindness at Dothan

    2KI 6:18-23

Notable Characters in Dothan

Joseph
Joseph

Sold into slavery by his brothers at Dothan

Elisha
Elisha

Saw God's angelic army protecting him at Dothan

Locations Related to Dothan

Shechem
Shechem

Joseph's brothers moved from Shechem to Dothan with their flocks

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Samaria
Samaria

Dothan was north of Samaria in Israel's hill country

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Biblical Significance of Dothan

Dothan ('two wells') was a town known for its pastures and its location on a trade route. Here Joseph's tragic sale into slavery began - an event that would eventually save his family. Centuries later, Elisha had his famous vision of God's fiery chariots at Dothan when surrounded by enemies. The town thus witnessed both betrayal leading to redemption (Joseph) and divine protection revealed to eyes of faith (Elisha).

Key Verses about Dothan

Genesis 37:17-282 Kings 6:13-17

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