DOTHAN ( Genesis 37:17 , 2 Kings 6:13-18; Dotæa , Jdt 3:9; Dothaim , Jdt 4:6 etc.). To-day, Tell Dothan , a remarkable isolated hill at the S.E. corner of a great plain Sahl ’Arrâbeh; surrounded on three sides by hills ( 2 Kings 6:17 ). Clearly a place suitable for defence, it must have been of importance when the neighbouring high-road, still much used, was a main thoroughfare from Damascus to Egypt. The situation is, too, a choice one on account of its abundant fountain, now used to work a mill and irrigate fruit gardens; two ancient wells and a number of empty cisterns ( Genesis 37:24 ) are also found near the foot of the tell . Great herds of cattle, sheep, and goats from the neighbouring abundant pastures, may always be found gathered there in the afternoon drinking from the water and browsing in the shade. Although there are no ancient remains on the surface, traces of walls may be seen all around the hill top.
E. W. G. Masterman.