En-shemesh, meaning "spring of the sun," is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is identified as a boundary marker in the delineation of tribal territories. Specifically, En-shemesh is noted in the Book of Joshua as part of the border between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

In Joshua 15:7 , the text states: "Then it went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, and turned northward toward Gilgal, which is opposite the Pass of Adummim south of the valley; and it continued along to the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel."

The mention of En-shemesh in this context highlights its geographical significance in the ancient landscape of Israel. It served as a landmark in the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes, underscoring the importance of natural features in establishing territorial boundaries.

The exact location of En-shemesh is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to be situated near the modern-day city of Jerusalem, possibly in the vicinity of the Kidron Valley. Its association with the "spring of the sun" suggests a place of natural beauty and significance, possibly linked to solar worship or observation in ancient times.

En-rogel

En-rogel, meaning "spring of the fuller" or "spring of the foot," is another significant location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is frequently associated with events in the history of Israel, particularly during the time of King David.

En-rogel is first mentioned in Joshua 15:7 as part of the boundary description between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin: "Then it went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, and turned northward toward Gilgal, which is opposite the Pass of Adummim south of the valley; and it continued along to the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel."

En-rogel is also noted in the narrative of King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 17:17 , it is mentioned as a location where Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the sons of the priests, stayed to relay messages to David during Absalom's rebellion: "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city."

The strategic use of En-rogel as a communication point during Absalom's rebellion highlights its proximity to Jerusalem and its role in the political and military activities of the time. It served as a discreet location for gathering intelligence and coordinating efforts to support King David.

The precise location of En-rogel is also subject to scholarly debate, but it is traditionally identified with a site near the confluence of the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys, southeast of Jerusalem. This location would have made it a convenient and accessible site for the events described in the biblical narrative.

En-rogel's mention in the context of both territorial boundaries and historical events underscores its dual significance as both a geographical landmark and a site of historical importance in the biblical account.