En-she'mesh, meaning "spring of the sun," is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is identified as a landmark on the boundary line between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The name itself suggests a place associated with a natural water source, likely a spring, which was significant in the arid regions of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:7 : "Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor and turned northward to Gilgal, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim south of the valley; and the border continued to the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel."

2. Joshua 18:17 : "It then curved northward and went to En-shemesh, continuing to Geliloth, which is opposite the Ascent of Adummim, and descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."

In these passages, En-she'mesh is described as part of the territorial boundary descriptions during the allotment of the Promised Land to the Israelite tribes. The specific mention of En-she'mesh in the context of these boundary lines underscores its geographical importance in demarcating tribal territories.

Geographical and Historical Context:

En-she'mesh is traditionally identified with a site near the modern-day Ain el-Hod, located east of Jerusalem. The proximity to Jerusalem and its mention alongside other significant landmarks like the Valley of Achor and En-rogel suggests that it was a well-known location during the biblical period.

The spring at En-she'mesh would have been a vital resource for the surrounding communities, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and possibly serving as a gathering place for social and religious activities. Springs were often considered sacred in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and the name "spring of the sun" may indicate a place of particular reverence or significance.

Theological Significance:

While En-she'mesh is primarily noted for its geographical role, its inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the importance of land and boundaries in the history of Israel. The division of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, and locations like En-she'mesh served as tangible markers of this divine inheritance.

In a broader theological context, the precise delineation of tribal territories, including landmarks such as En-she'mesh, reflects the order and structure that God established for His people. It underscores the belief in a God who is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, providing for their needs and establishing a place for them to dwell in accordance with His covenant promises.En-she'mesh (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:7
And the border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is over against the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the brook; and the border passed along to the waters of En-shemesh, and the goings out thereof were at En-rogel.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:17
And it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
(See RSV)

En-she'mesh (2 Occurrences)
En-she'mesh. En-shemesh, En-she'mesh. Enshrouded . Multi-Version Concordance
En-she'mesh (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:7 And the border ...
/e/en-she'mesh.htm - 7k

En-shemesh (2 Occurrences)
En-shemesh. Enshemesh, En-shemesh. En-she'mesh . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fountain of the sun a spring which formed one of the ...
/e/en-shemesh.htm - 8k

Enshemesh (2 Occurrences)
... EN-SHEMESH. en-she'-mesh (`en shemesh, "spring of the sun"): An important landmark
on the boundary line between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:17). ...
/e/enshemesh.htm - 8k

Enshrouded (1 Occurrence)

/e/enshrouded.htm - 6k

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