Eshan is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is one of the towns listed in the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. The name "Eshan" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to be firm" or "to be strong," which may reflect the characteristics or significance of the location during biblical times.

Biblical Reference:

· Joshua 15:52 : "Arab, Dumah, and Eshan."

In this passage, Eshan is mentioned as part of the inheritance given to the descendants of Judah. It is listed among other towns in the hill country, indicating its geographical setting within the region. The context of this passage is the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Eshan is situated in the hill country of Judah, a region characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic importance. The hill country served as a natural fortress and was a significant area for agriculture and settlement. The specific location of Eshan is not definitively identified in modern times, and it remains one of the many ancient sites whose exact location has been lost to history. However, its inclusion in the biblical record underscores its role in the tribal organization and settlement patterns of ancient Israel.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The mention of Eshan, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. Each town and city listed in the tribal allotments represents a tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation with a defined territory.

From a theological perspective, the division of the land among the tribes, including the mention of towns like Eshan, highlights the importance of inheritance and the continuity of God's covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder of the divine provision and the responsibilities that come with receiving God's promises.

Archaeological Insights:

While Eshan itself has not been conclusively identified in archaeological studies, the broader region of the Judean hill country has been the subject of extensive research. Archaeological findings in this area have provided insights into the lifestyle, culture, and religious practices of the ancient Israelites. These studies help to contextualize the biblical narrative and offer a glimpse into the historical realities of the time.

In summary, Eshan is a minor yet integral part of the biblical landscape, representing the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israel's tribal territories. Its mention in the Book of Joshua serves as a testament to the historical and theological significance of the land in the biblical narrative.ESHAN

e'-shan ('esh`an; Esan; the King James Version Eshean):

A town of Judah in the uplands of Hebron (Joshua 15:52). No satisfactory identification has yet been suggested. Some think the name may be a corruption of Beersheba (Encyclopaedia Biblica, which see).

824. Eshan -- "support," a place in Judah
... 823, 824. Eshan. 825 . "support," a place in Judah. Transliteration:
Eshan Phonetic Spelling: (esh-awn') Short Definition: Eshan. ...
/hebrew/824.htm - 6kEshan (1 Occurrence)
...ESHAN. e'-shan ('esh`an; Esan; the King James Version Eshean): A town of Judah
in the uplands of Hebron (Joshua 15:52). ...Eshan (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/eshan.htm - 7k

Janim (1 Occurrence)
... JANIM. ja'-nim (yanim; the King James Version Janum): A place in the Hebron uplands
named with Eshan and Beth-tappuah (Joshua 15:53); unidentified. ...
/j/janim.htm - 6k

Rumah (2 Occurrences)
... Galilean site. W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Rumah (2 Occurrences).
Joshua 15:52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshan, (See JPS). 2 Kings ...
/r/rumah.htm - 8k

Eserebias

/e/eserebias.htm - 6k

Eshbaal (2 Occurrences)

/e/eshbaal.htm - 7k

Dumah (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 25:14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV).
Joshua 15:52 Arab, Dumah, Eshan, (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dumah.htm - 9k

Arab (5 Occurrences)
... ar'-ab, a-ra'-bi-ans. See ARABIA. Multi-Version Concordance Arab (5 Occurrences).
Joshua 15:52 Arab, Dumah, Eshan, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) ...
/a/arab.htm - 8k

Eshean (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ESHEAN. esh'-e-an, e'-she-an. See ESHAN.
Multi-Version Concordance Eshean (1 Occurrence). Joshua ...
/e/eshean.htm - 7k

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