The Hebrew Beth-Horon (Strong's H1032) means 'house of the hollow' or 'house of the cave.' It refers to two towns — Upper and Lower Beth-Horon — situated on a strategic mountain pass between the coastal plain and the Judean highlands. This pass was militarily decisive throughout Israel's history: Joshua's victory over the five Amorite kings, the Maccabees' defeat of Syrian forces, and Judas Maccabeus's campaigns all happened here.
The ascent of Beth-Horon is one of Scripture's most dramatic military theaters. When Joshua pursued the five Amorite kings through this pass, the LORD threw the enemy into confusion and hurled great hailstones upon them — more died from hailstones than from Israelite swords. It was here that Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-13). The pass thus became a testimony that the battles of God's people are ultimately fought by God Himself. No strategically vital terrain can protect those who oppose the LORD's purpose.