A town in the territory Of Ephraim; probably a pun or word-play on the name Bethel ("house of God").
About Beth-aven (of Ephraim)
A town in the tribal land of Benjamin, located west of Michmash on the border of the wilderness, near Ai, to the east of Bethel (Joshua 7:2; 18:12; 1 Samuel 13:5; 14:23).
Hosea used this word to mock Bethel, which was an ancient center of worship. The “House of God” (Bethel) had become a “house of wickedness” (Beth-aven or just Aven; Hosea 4:15; 5:8; 10:5).
Key References
Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’
Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: Lead on, O Benjamin!
The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn over it with its idolatrous priests—those who rejoiced in its glory—for it has been taken from them into exile.