Adummim
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Topical Encyclopedia
Adummim is a location mentioned in the Bible, primarily noted for its geographical and historical significance. The name "Adummim" is derived from the Hebrew word "אֲדֻמִּים" (Adummim), which means "red" or "bloody." This name likely refers to the red-colored rocks or the bloodshed that may have occurred in the area.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:7 : "Then the border 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 the border continued to the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel."

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

In these passages, Adummim is described as a landmark on the border between the tribal territories of Judah and Benjamin. The "Ascent of Adummim" indicates a steep incline or pass, which was a notable feature in the landscape.

Geographical Significance:

Adummim is situated on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, a route that has been historically significant for trade and travel. The location is often associated with the modern-day Wadi Qelt, a deep gorge that runs through the Judean Desert. The ascent would have been a challenging part of the journey, making it a strategic point for travelers and a potential site for ambushes.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The road through Adummim was a critical link between the Jordan Valley and the central highlands of Israel. It was a well-traveled path during biblical times, used by merchants, pilgrims, and armies. The challenging terrain and the presence of bandits made it a perilous journey, which is reflected in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), where a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers. Although Adummim is not explicitly mentioned in this parable, the setting aligns with the characteristics of the road through Adummim.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological findings in the region around Adummim have uncovered remnants of ancient roads, fortifications, and settlements. These discoveries provide insight into the historical use of the area as a travel route and its strategic importance in ancient times.

Theological Implications:

Adummim's mention in the Bible underscores the importance of geographical landmarks in defining tribal boundaries and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land. The location serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in settling the Promised Land and the divine guidance they received in establishing their territories.

In summary, Adummim is a significant biblical location that highlights the intersection of geography, history, and theology in the narrative of the Israelites. Its mention in the Scriptures provides valuable context for understanding the physical and spiritual journey of God's people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Adummim

earthy; red; bloody things

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Adummim

(the going up to), a rising ground or pass over against Gilgal," and "on the south side of the torrent" (Joshua 15:7; 18:17) which is the position still occupied by the road leading up from Jericho and the Jordan valley to Jerusalem, on the south face of the gorge of the Wady Kelt. (Luke 10:30-36)

ATS Bible Dictionary
Adummim

A border town of Benjamin and Judah, not far from Jericho of the road to Jerusalem. This road ascends through a desolate and rocky region, "the ascent of Adummim," Joshua 15:7; 18:17; it furnished many lurking places for robbers, and was the scene of our Savior's parable, The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:1-42.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
The red ones, a place apparently on the road between Jericho and Jerusalem, "on the south side of the torrent" Wady Kelt, looking toward Gilgal, mentioned Joshua 15:7; 18:17. It was nearly half-way between Jerusalem and Jericho, and now bears the name of Tal-at-ed-Dumm. It is supposed to have been the place referred to in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Recently a new carriage-road has been completed, and carriages for the first time have come along this road from Jerusalem.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ADUMMIM

a-dum'-im ('adhummim, perhaps "red spots"): "The ascent of Adummim" is one of the numerous landmarks mentioned in defining the northern border of Judah westward from the mouth of the Jordan to Jerusalem, and in defining the southern border of Benjamin eastward from Jerusalem to the mouth of the Jordan (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:17). It is identified with the gorge part of the road from Jericho up to Jerusalem. Its present name is Tala`at-ed-Dumm, "ascent of blood." The stone is marked by "curious red streaks," a phenomenon which probably accounts for both the ancient and the modern names, and for other similar names which have been applied to the locality. It is the scene of our Saviour's story of the Good Samaritan, and tradition of course locates the inn to which the Samaritan brought the wounded man (see HGHL, 265).

Willis J. Beecher

Strong's Hebrew
131. Adummim -- a place between Jer. and Jericho
... 130, 131. Adummim. 132 . a place between Jer. and Jericho. Transliteration:
Adummim Phonetic Spelling: (ad-oom-meem') Short Definition: Adummim. ...
/hebrew/131.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Adummim (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADUMMIM. a-dum'-im ... 265). Willis J. Beecher.
Multi-Version Concordance Adummim (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15 ...
/a/adummim.htm - 8k

Enshemesh (2 Occurrences)
... It was between the "ascent of Adummim" and the spring of En-rogel, and hence
was on the east of Jerusalem and of the Mount of Olives. ...
/e/enshemesh.htm - 8k

En-shemesh (2 Occurrences)
... It was between the "ascent of Adummim" and the spring of En-rogel, and hence
was on the east of Jerusalem and of the Mount of Olives. ...
/e/en-shemesh.htm - 8k

Adum'mim (2 Occurrences)
Adum'mim. Adummim, Adum'mim. Advance . Multi-Version Concordance Adum'mim
(2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Adummim, Adum'mim. Advance . Reference Bible.
/a/adum'mim.htm - 7k

Geliloth (2 Occurrences)
... passed En-shemesh (probably `Ain el-Chod, about 2 miles East of Jerusalem), "and
went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim." From this ...
/g/geliloth.htm - 8k

En-she'mesh (2 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/e/en-she'mesh.htm - 7k

En (19 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:7 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 ...
/e/en.htm - 14k

Northward (41 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:7 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 ...
/n/northward.htm - 21k

Shemesh (24 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:7 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 ...
/s/shemesh.htm - 14k

Ascent (32 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:7 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 ...
/a/ascent.htm - 21k

Resources
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Concordance
Adummim (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:7
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 river. The border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and ended at En Rogel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Joshua 18:17
It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Adummim

Adummim: A Place on the Road Leading from the Fords of the Jordan to Jerusalem

Related Terms

Adummim (2 Occurrences)

Advance (33 Occurrences)

Adults
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