BETHAVEN commonly supposed to be identical with Bethel, so called after that city had become the scene of idol-worship, Beth-aven signifying the house of vanity.But in Josh. (7.2) the two places are distinguished, Ai being placed beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Bethel.Michmash is also placed eastward from Bethaven.(1 Sam. 13.2.) It is joined with Gibeah and Ramah, and ascribed to Benjamin. (Hos. 5.8.) The LXX. translate it (in Josh. 7.2) Βαιθήλ, (in 18.12) Βαιθών, (in Hos. 5.8) οἴκῳ Ὦν
[G.W]