Lexical Summary Taanath Shiloh: Taanath Shiloh Original Word: תַּאֲנַת שִׁלה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heaviness, mourning From ta'anah and Shiyloh; approach of Shiloh; Taanath-Shiloh, a place in Palestine -- Taanath-shiloh. see HEBREW ta'anah see HEBREW Shiyloh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom taanah and Shiloh Definition perhaps "approach to Shiloh," a city of Ephraim NASB Translation Taanath-shiloh (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תַּאֲנַת שִׁלֹ֑ה proper name, of a location on border of Ephraim Joshua 16:6; Θηνασα Καὶ Σελλησα, A Τηναθσηλω, ᵐ5L Θηναθασηλω; according to SurveyWP ii. 232, 245 WilsonHast. DB TAANATH-SHILOH BuhlGeogr. 202 = modern Ta`na, approximately 7 miles east-southeast from Nablûs. Topical Lexicon Location and Identification Taanath Shiloh appears once in Scripture (Joshua 16:6) as a landmark on the eastern border of Ephraim. Most scholars locate it at the ruins of Taʿna el-Sharqiyyeh, about ten kilometres southeast of ancient Shechem (modern Nablus), overlooking the Wadi Farʿah. The hilltop site commands a main east–west route descending to the Jordan Valley, making it a natural boundary marker. Biblical Context In Joshua 16 the writer traces the inheritance of Joseph’s sons. After skirting Michmethath, “the border curved eastward to Taanath Shiloh and passed it to Janoah on the east” (Joshua 16:6). Though only a single mention, the settlement anchors the survey, ensuring that Ephraim’s allotment—promised generations earlier (Genesis 48:21-22)—is precisely defined. Historical Significance for Ephraim 1. Boundary Security – A conspicuous ridge town discouraged encroachment and preserved tribal integrity. Relationship to Shiloh and Worship The compound name links the town to Shiloh, where the tabernacle stood for centuries (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 1:3). Pilgrims ascending from the east would crest the ridge at Taanath Shiloh before descending to the sanctuary, making the site an early reminder that inheritance and worship are inseparable. Archaeological Insights Surveys at Taʿna el-Sharqiyyeh have produced Late Bronze and Iron Age pottery, fortification lines, cisterns, and tombs. Continued occupation into Roman and Byzantine eras confirms the location’s enduring suitability and accords with the biblical chronology of settlement. Theological Reflections • Precise Promises – The careful recording of borders testifies to God’s faithfulness in the details (Numbers 34:2). Ministry Application Taanath Shiloh illustrates that no aspect of God’s provision is too small to merit His attention (Matthew 10:30). The site’s role as a waypoint toward Shiloh offers a pastoral image of preparing hearts before corporate worship. Its firm boundary challenges believers to establish clear lines of integrity in personal and communal life. Key References Forms and Transliterations שִׁלֹ֑ה שלה shiLoh ši·lōh šilōhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 16:6 HEB: מִזְרָ֖חָה תַּאֲנַ֣ת שִׁלֹ֑ה וְעָבַ֣ר אוֹת֔וֹ NAS: eastward to Taanath-shiloh and continued KJV: eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed INT: and the border eastward to Taanath-shiloh and continued to the east |
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