Lexical Summary Daberath: Daberath Original Word: דֲּבְרַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Dabareh, Daberath From dabar (perhaps in the sense of dober); Daberath, a place in Palestine -- Dabareh, Daberath. see HEBREW dabar see HEBREW dober NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dabar Definition a Levitical city in Issachar NASB Translation Daberath (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs דָּֽבְרַת proper name, of a location Levitical city in Issachar, the present Debûrije at the foot of Mt. Tabor (RobBR iii. 210 BdPal 249) Joshua 19:12 (הַדָּֽבְרַת) Joshua 21:28; 1 Chronicles 6:57. Topical Lexicon Location and Geographic Setting Daberath lay on the western slope of Mount Tabor, overlooking the broad Jezreel Valley. The site is widely identified with modern Daburiyah, a village that still nestles against Tabor’s foot. Its position placed it at a natural junction between the Galilean highlands and the great plain, making it strategically significant for travel, trade, and military movements throughout Israel’s history. Tribal Allocation and Levitical Function Although the town marks the eastern border of Zebulun (Joshua 19:12), it was assigned as a Levitical city to the Gershonite clan within the tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 21:28; 1 Chronicles 6:72). This dual notation illustrates the way Levitical holdings often cut across tribal boundaries, ensuring priestly presence among the tribes without undermining the territorial integrity promised to each. Berean Standard Bible, Joshua 21:28: “From the tribe of Naphtali they received Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan, together with their pasturelands.” (The Hebrew text underlying verse 28 includes Daberath; the groups the smaller pasture-towns under Kedesh’s allotment, reflecting an ancient textual tradition.) Historical Background 1. During the conquest era, Daberath stood in the northern theatre of Joshua’s campaigns. Its proximity to Mount Tabor—a landmark that rises abruptly from the plain—made it an easily recognized border point when tribal lots were drawn. Ministry Significance • A Pattern of Proximity: Daberath’s situation between Zebulun and Naphtali echoes the prophetic promise that “the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali… the people walking in darkness will see a great light” (Isaiah 9:1–2). Centuries later, Jesus ministered in Galilee, fulfilling that word (Matthew 4:13–16). Thus a modest Levitical town at Tabor’s base indirectly foreshadowed the Messiah’s Galilean activity. Archaeological and Modern Insights Excavations on Mount Tabor’s slopes have produced pottery from Bronze and Iron Age horizons, consistent with a long-lived settlement. While no inscription naming Daberath has surfaced, the enduring Arabic form “Daburiyah” preserves the ancient consonants. Pilgrim reports from the Byzantine period mention a church dedicated to the Transfiguration on Tabor’s summit and agricultural terraces below, suggesting the area retained religious significance well into Christian times. Lessons for Today 1. Strategic Smallness: Daberath never achieved the fame of Jerusalem or Hebron, yet Scripture records it because every place and people incorporated into God’s plan carry lasting value. Daberath’s three brief mentions create a window into Israel’s land allotment, Levitical ministry, and God’s broader redemptive account centered in Galilee. The town’s obscurity highlights the Lord’s delight in using hidden corners to advance His purposes. Forms and Transliterations דָּֽבְרַ֖ת דָּבְרַ֖ת דברת הַדָּֽבְרַ֖ת הדברת dā·ḇə·raṯ dāḇəraṯ daveRat had·dā·ḇə·raṯ haddāḇəraṯ haddaveRatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:12 HEB: וְיָצָ֥א אֶל־ הַדָּֽבְרַ֖ת וְעָלָ֥ה יָפִֽיעַ׃ NAS: and it proceeded to Daberath and up to Japhia. KJV: and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up INT: proceeded to Daberath up to Japhia Joshua 21:28 1 Chronicles 6:72 3 Occurrences |
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