Ataroth-adar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua as part of the delineation of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim and the tribe of Benjamin.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 16:5 · "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 · "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:

Ataroth-adar is situated in the central region of ancient Canaan, which corresponds to the modern-day West Bank. It is located near the border between the territories of Ephraim and Benjamin, indicating its significance as a boundary marker. The mention of nearby locations such as Upper and Lower Beth-horon provides additional context for its geographical setting.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

In the biblical narrative, Ataroth-adar serves as a landmark in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This division was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it played a crucial role in the establishment of the Israelite nation. The precise boundaries were important for maintaining tribal identities and ensuring the equitable distribution of land.

The name "Ataroth-adar" itself may hold significance, as "Ataroth" can mean "crowns" or "wreaths," and "adar" may be related to "glorious" or "majestic." This could imply a place of prominence or beauty, although the exact etymology and significance remain subjects of scholarly discussion.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Ataroth-adar is limited, the general region has been the subject of numerous excavations. These have provided insights into the settlement patterns, fortifications, and daily life of the ancient Israelites. The strategic location near Beth-horon suggests that Ataroth-adar may have been part of a network of settlements that played a role in trade and defense.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Ataroth-adar in the Bible underscores the importance of land in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The careful recording of boundaries reflects the divine order and provision for the tribes, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The division of the land also serves as a reminder of the unity and diversity within the people of Israel, each tribe having its unique inheritance yet all part of the larger covenant community.

In summary, Ataroth-adar is a significant biblical location that highlights the historical, cultural, and theological dimensions of the Israelite settlement in the Promised Land. Its mention in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the intricate and divinely orchestrated plan for the nation of Israel.5853. Atroth Addar -- a place on the border between Ephraim and ...
... Ataroth-adaraddar. From the same as Atarowth and 'Addar; crowns of Addar;
Atroth-Addar, a place in Palestine -- Ataroth-adar(-addar). see HEBREW Atarowth. ...
/hebrew/5853.htm - 6kAtarothadar (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Atarothadar (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:13 And the
border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of ...
/a/atarothadar.htm - 6k

Ataroth-adar (2 Occurrences)
Ataroth-adar. Atarothadar, Ataroth-adar. Atarothaddar . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Atarothadar, Ataroth-adar. Atarothaddar . Reference Bible.
/a/ataroth-adar.htm - 7k

Nether (19 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz,
which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the ...
/n/nether.htm - 12k

Ataroth (7 Occurrences)
... 32:3). (2.) A town on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin (Joshua 16:2, 7), called
also Ataroth-adar (16:5). Now ed-Da'rieh. (3.) "Ataroth ...
/a/ataroth.htm - 10k

Atarothaddar (1 Occurrence)

/a/atarothaddar.htm - 7k

At'aroth (4 Occurrences)
At'aroth. Ataroth, At'aroth. Atarothadar . Multi-Version Concordance At'aroth
(4 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Ataroth, At'aroth. Atarothadar . Reference Bible
/a/at'aroth.htm - 7k

Descended (64 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz,
which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the ...
/d/descended.htm - 25k

Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz,
which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the ...
/l/lieth.htm - 36k

Thence (152 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz,
which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the ...
/t/thence.htm - 37k

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz,
which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the ...
/b/bethhoron.htm - 30k

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