Topical Encyclopedia At'aroth-ad'dar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The name "At'aroth-ad'dar" is derived from Hebrew, with "At'aroth" meaning "crowns" and "ad'dar" possibly signifying "glorious" or "noble." This place is significant in the delineation of the land inheritance for the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin.Biblical References: 1. Joshua 16:5 · The passage describes the borders of the tribe of Ephraim. At'aroth-ad'dar is mentioned as part of the boundary line: "This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon." 2. Joshua 18:13 · In the description of the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, At'aroth-ad'dar is again referenced: "From there the border continued to Luz, to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel), and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon." Geographical Context: At'aroth-ad'dar is situated in the central highlands of ancient Canaan, an area that is now part of modern-day Israel and the Palestinian territories. The location is strategically placed near Beth-horon, which was a significant route in biblical times, connecting the coastal plain with the interior highlands. This made At'aroth-ad'dar an important landmark in the demarcation of tribal territories. Historical and Theological Significance: The mention of At'aroth-ad'dar in the context of tribal boundaries underscores the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society. The division of the Promised Land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it represented the tangible realization of God's promises to His people. The precise delineation of borders, including locations like At'aroth-ad'dar, highlights the organized and divinely ordained distribution of the land. From a theological perspective, the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan for His chosen people. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as the Israelites were tasked with maintaining the purity and sanctity of the land they inherited. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence for At'aroth-ad'dar is limited, the general region has been the subject of numerous excavations that have provided insights into the ancient Israelite settlement patterns and lifestyle. The proximity to Beth-horon suggests that At'aroth-ad'dar may have been part of a network of settlements that played a role in the defense and administration of the tribal territories. In summary, At'aroth-ad'dar is a biblically significant location that played a role in the territorial organization of the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin. Its mention in the Scriptures highlights the importance of land inheritance and the fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel. Concordance At'aroth-ad'dar (2 Occurrences)Joshua 16:5 Joshua 18:13 Thesaurus At'aroth-ad'dar (2 Occurrences)At'aroth-ad'dar. Ataroth-addar, At'aroth-ad'dar. Ate . Multi-Version Concordance At'aroth-ad'dar (2 Occurrences). Joshua 16:5 This ... /a/at'aroth-ad'dar.htm - 7k Ataroth-addar (2 Occurrences) Ate (138 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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