Beth-shemesh means in the bible: The House of the Sun. 1. Probably the same as Ir Shemesh Josh. 19:41. A priestly city at the border with Judah Josh. 15:10; about 12 miles southwest of Ekron. The ark was taken to Beth Shemesh 1 Sam. 6:9-20. See also 1 Kgs. 4:9; 2 Kgs. 14:11, 13; 1 Chr. 6:59; 2 Chr. 25:21, 23; 28:18.
(in Bible Dictionary)