Dothan

dō´than ( דּתין , dōthayı̄n , דּתן , dōthān , "two wells," "double feast"; Δωθάειμ , Dōtháeim ): A place to the North of Shechem whither Jacob's sons went for pasture for the flocks; where Joseph who followed them was sold to the Ishmaelites, after having been imprisoned in a "pit" ( Genesis 37:17 ). Here in later days the eyes of Elisha's servant were opened to see the mountain "full of horses and chariots of fire," guarding his master from the encircling Syrians ( 2 Kings 6:13 ). This is certainly to be identified with Tell Dōthān , which lies on the East of the ancient road leading from Gilead across Esdraelon to the seacoast, and thence to Egypt. It is about 5 miles to the Southwest of Jenı̄n . There are some traces of old buildings, two cisterns - Dōthayin or Dōthayim = "two cisterns" or "pits" - and one copious spring. Excellent pasture is found in the surrounding plain, and on the adjoining slopes.