Atarothaddar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The name "Atarothaddar" is derived from two Hebrew words: "Ataroth," meaning "crowns" or "wreaths," and "Addar," which can mean "glorious" or "mighty." This name reflects the significance of the site in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

Atarothaddar is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. It is mentioned in the context of the boundary lines for the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin.

1. Joshua 16:5 · "This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon."

2. Joshua 18:13 · "From there the border continued to Luz (that is, Bethel) and proceeded down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon."

These passages indicate that Atarothaddar was a significant landmark in delineating the tribal territories. It served as a boundary marker between the lands allotted to Ephraim and Benjamin, two of the prominent tribes of Israel.

Geographical Significance:

Atarothaddar is believed to have been located in the central hill country of ancient Canaan, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic importance. The mention of nearby locations such as Upper and Lower Beth-horon suggests that Atarothaddar was situated in a region that was crucial for controlling access to the central highlands from the coastal plains.

Historical and Theological Context:

The division of the land among the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Joshua, was a fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of specific territories to each tribe was not only a practical matter of settlement but also a theological affirmation of God's covenant with His people. Atarothaddar, as a boundary marker, played a role in this divine orchestration of the land distribution.

The precise location of Atarothaddar remains uncertain in modern times, as archaeological evidence has yet to definitively identify the site. However, its mention in the biblical text underscores its importance in the ancient landscape of Israel and its role in the history of the Israelite tribes.

Cultural and Religious Implications:

In the biblical narrative, places like Atarothaddar are more than mere geographical markers; they are imbued with cultural and religious significance. They serve as reminders of God's faithfulness in leading the Israelites into the land He promised them. The boundaries marked by locations such as Atarothaddar were not only physical but also spiritual, delineating the inheritance of God's chosen people and their identity as a nation set apart for His purposes.ATAROTH-ADDAR

at'-a-roth-ad'-ar (`aTroth 'addar, "crowns of Addar"). See ATAROTH (2).

Atarothaddar (1 Occurrence)
... ATAROTH-ADDAR. at'-a-roth-ad'-ar (`aTroth 'addar, "crowns of Addar"). See ATAROTH
(2). Multi-Version Concordance Atarothaddar (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/atarothaddar.htm - 7k

Ataroth-addar (2 Occurrences)
Ataroth-addar. Atarothaddar, Ataroth-addar. At'aroth-ad'dar . Int. ... (ASV BBE
DBY NAS). Atarothaddar, Ataroth-addar. At'aroth-ad'dar . Reference Bible.
/a/ataroth-addar.htm - 7k

Ataroth-adar (2 Occurrences)
Ataroth-adar. Atarothadar, Ataroth-adar. Atarothaddar . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Atarothadar, Ataroth-adar. Atarothaddar . Reference Bible.
/a/ataroth-adar.htm - 7k

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the
border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron ...
/b/bethhoron.htm - 30k

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