This verse from Joshua 16:5 is part of the detailed description of the land allocated to the tribe of Ephraim after the Israelites conquered Canaan. Let's break down what it means:
"This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families": This introduces the specific boundaries that defined the territory given to the tribe of Ephraim. The phrase "according to their families" likely means the land was further divided among the various clans or sub-groups within the tribe.
"The border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper": This describes a specific segment of Ephraim's eastern border. It marks two key locations along that border:
Ataroth Addar: This was a town or landmark that formed the starting point or an important reference point for that section of the boundary. The precise location of Ataroth Addar is debated among scholars.
Beth Horon the Upper: This refers to the upper (or higher) of two towns named Beth Horon. These towns were strategically important, controlling a pass through the hills. Beth Horon was later fortified and is mentioned in other historical accounts.
In essence, the verse is a geographic marker. It's telling us that the eastern border of the Ephraimite territory started at a place called Ataroth Addar and extended to the town of Upper Beth Horon. This was just a section of the entire border.
Significance:
Land Allocation: These detailed border descriptions were vital for ensuring each tribe received its designated share of the Promised Land.
Historical Record: The verse provides valuable historical and geographical information about the region during the time of Joshua and the early settlement of the Israelites.
Tribal Identity: The land allocation was important in establishing the identity and autonomy of each tribe of Israel.
To fully understand this verse, you would ideally need:
A detailed map of ancient Israel.
More knowledge about the surrounding verses and the broader context of Joshua 16.
Access to commentaries and scholarly works that analyze the geography and history of the region.
This verse from Joshua 16:5 is part of the detailed description of the land allocated to the tribe of Ephraim after the Israelites conquered Canaan. Let's break down what it means:
"This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families": This introduces the specific boundaries that defined the territory given to the tribe of Ephraim. The phrase "according to their families" likely means the land was further divided among the various clans or sub-groups within the tribe.
"The border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper": This describes a specific segment of Ephraim's eastern border. It marks two key locations along that border:
Ataroth Addar: This was a town or landmark that formed the starting point or an important reference point for that section of the boundary. The precise location of Ataroth Addar is debated among scholars.
Beth Horon the Upper: This refers to the upper (or higher) of two towns named Beth Horon. These towns were strategically important, controlling a pass through the hills. Beth Horon was later fortified and is mentioned in other historical accounts.
In essence, the verse is a geographic marker. It's telling us that the eastern border of the Ephraimite territory started at a place called Ataroth Addar and extended to the town of Upper Beth Horon. This was just a section of the entire border.
Significance:
Land Allocation: These detailed border descriptions were vital for ensuring each tribe received its designated share of the Promised Land.
Historical Record: The verse provides valuable historical and geographical information about the region during the time of Joshua and the early settlement of the Israelites.
Tribal Identity: The land allocation was important in establishing the identity and autonomy of each tribe of Israel.
To fully understand this verse, you would ideally need:
A detailed map of ancient Israel.
More knowledge about the surrounding verses and the broader context of Joshua 16.
Access to commentaries and scholarly works that analyze the geography and history of the region.