Adum'mim, often referred to as the "Ascent of Adummim," is a location mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of territorial boundaries. It is situated on the border between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The name "Adummim" is derived from the Hebrew word for "red," possibly indicating the reddish hue of the rocks or soil in the area.

Biblical References:

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

2. Joshua 18:17 : "It curved northward and went to En-shemesh, continued to Geliloth opposite the Ascent of Adummim, and descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."

These passages describe Adum'mim as a significant landmark in the delineation of tribal territories. The "Ascent of Adummim" is noted for its strategic location on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, a route that was historically significant for trade and travel.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Adum'mim is traditionally identified with the modern site of Tal'at ed-Dumm, located on the road that ascends from the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. This path was a critical route in ancient times, serving as a connection between the Jordan River and the central highlands of Israel.

The area is characterized by its rugged terrain and steep inclines, which made it a challenging passage for travelers. The reddish rocks and soil of the region may have contributed to its name, as "Adummim" suggests a connection to the color red.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In biblical times, the Ascent of Adummim was not only a geographical marker but also a place of potential danger. The road was notorious for banditry, as illustrated in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), where a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers. While the parable does not explicitly mention Adum'mim, the setting aligns with the treacherous nature of the ascent.

Theologically, Adum'mim serves as a reminder of the boundaries established by God for the tribes of Israel. It underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's promises to His people.

Archaeological Insights:

While direct archaeological evidence of Adum'mim is limited, the identification of Tal'at ed-Dumm as the likely location provides insight into the historical context of the biblical references. The site's proximity to ancient trade routes and its strategic position highlight its significance in the ancient Near East.

In summary, Adum'mim is a notable biblical location that played a role in the territorial divisions of Israel and served as a backdrop for biblical narratives emphasizing God's provision and protection for His people.Adum'mim (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:7
And the border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is over against the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the brook; and the border passed along to the waters of En-shemesh, and the goings out thereof were at En-rogel.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:17
And it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
(See RSV)

Adum'mim (2 Occurrences)
Adum'mim. Adummim, Adum'mim. Advance . Multi-Version Concordance
Adum'mim (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:7 And the border went up to ...
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Adummim (2 Occurrences)

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Advance (33 Occurrences)

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