Learn more about Dothan

Introduction to Dothan

Dothan is a significant city mentioned in the Bible, especially in the narratives concerning the patriarch Joseph and the prophet Elisha. The name “Dothan” (Hebrew: דֹּתָן, *Dōṯān*) likely means “two wells” or “law,” and it was located north of Samaria in the hill country of Israel. Its strategic location along ancient trade routes made it a place of both spiritual and military importance. Dothan serves as a backdrop for critical moments in biblical history, including betrayal, divine intervention, and miraculous revelation.

Dothan Pronunciation

“Dothan” is pronounced as DOH-thuhn, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Dothan in the Bible

Dothan is directly referenced in several key biblical accounts, each of which highlights a different facet of its importance in Israel’s story:

• Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37:17): Dothan is the place where Joseph’s brothers conspired against him. After initially planning to kill him, they eventually threw him into a dry cistern and later sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelite traders. This event marked the beginning of Joseph’s journey to Egypt and ultimately his rise to power. Dothan, in this context, is a symbol of betrayal and divine providence.
• Elisha and the Heavenly Host (2 Kings 6:13-18): Dothan appears again in the story of Elisha. The city becomes the setting for a dramatic display of God’s protection. When the king of Aram sends a great army to capture Elisha, the prophet prays for his servant’s eyes to be opened, revealing the hills full of horses and chariots of fire—God’s heavenly army. Elisha then miraculously blinds the enemy army, leading them to Samaria. This account makes Dothan a place of miraculous revelation and divine intervention.

Historical and Geographical Context of Dothan

Dothan is situated in a fertile valley known as the Plain of Dothan, located about 12 miles north of Samaria and near modern-day Tell Dothan. Its position on the ancient trade route called the “Way of the Sea” (Via Maris) between Egypt and Mesopotamia made it a strategic location for commerce and military movement. Archaeological discoveries at Tell Dothan include ancient fortifications, storage jars, and evidence of Israelite and possibly earlier Canaanite settlement.

Related Themes and Meanings to Dothan

• Betrayal and Redemption: Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers in Dothan is the beginning of a larger redemptive narrative that results in the preservation of Israel during famine.
• Divine Protection and Revelation: The vision given to Elisha’s servant in Dothan is one of the clearest Old Testament portrayals of the unseen spiritual realm and God’s providence over His people.
• Prophetic Authority: Elisha’s role in Dothan underscores the power and authority of God’s prophets in directing the affairs of nations and in confronting worldly powers.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Dothan

• Dothan is one of the few biblical locations where both a patriarch (Joseph) and a prophet (Elisha) play major roles in different periods of Israelite history.
• The name “Dothan” may mean “two wells,” suggesting that it was a place of water and sustenance in an otherwise arid region—symbolically linking it with survival and divine provision.
• The area around Dothan has been identified through archaeological surveys, and Tell Dothan remains an active site of interest for biblical archaeologists.
• Though only mentioned a few times in Scripture, the events in Dothan have far-reaching theological implications, especially in themes of sovereignty, deliverance, and God’s hidden hand in history.

Dothan's Legacy in Biblical Memory

Though not a central city like Jerusalem or Samaria, Dothan holds a profound place in the biblical imagination. It is a site where God’s providence meets human frailty, where betrayal leads to deliverance, and where the physical world opens up to reveal divine activity. These themes make Dothan a powerful symbol of how God works behind the scenes in the unfolding narrative of redemption.