Atroth-addar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The name "Atroth-addar" is believed to mean "crowns of Addar" or "crowns of glory," reflecting its significance or perhaps its geographical features.

Biblical References:

Atroth-addar is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. It is mentioned in the delineation of the border between the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin.

· 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."

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

These passages indicate that Atroth-addar was a significant landmark in the demarcation of tribal territories. It served as a boundary point, marking the extent of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim and later referenced in the description of Benjamin's territory.

Geographical Context:

Atroth-addar is situated in the central highlands of ancient Canaan, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic importance. The mention of nearby locations such as Beth-horon suggests that Atroth-addar was part of a region that held military and trade significance due to its proximity to key routes and its elevation, which provided a vantage point over the surrounding areas.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including the mention of Atroth-addar, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The precise delineation of tribal boundaries reflects the orderly distribution of the land as an inheritance, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative of the Israelites' settlement in Canaan.

From a theological perspective, the division of the land and the establishment of boundaries like those at Atroth-addar highlight the importance of covenant faithfulness and the tangible realization of God's promises. The land was not merely a physical inheritance but also a symbol of divine provision and blessing.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Atroth-addar remains limited, the general region has been the subject of various excavations that provide insights into the settlement patterns and historical context of the Israelite tribes during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the cultural and historical backdrop of the biblical narrative.

In summary, Atroth-addar serves as a geographical marker within the biblical text, representing both a physical location and a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises to the people of Israel. Its mention in the context of tribal boundaries emphasizes the ordered and purposeful distribution of the land among God's chosen people.5853. Atroth Addar -- a place on the border between Ephraim and ...
Atroth Addar. 5852, 5853. Atroth Addar. 5854 . a place on the border
between Ephraim and Benjamin. Transliteration: Atroth Addar ...
/hebrew/5853.htm - 6kAtroth-addar (2 Occurrences)
Atroth-addar. Atroth, Atroth-addar. Atrothbethjoab . Multi-Version
Concordance Atroth-addar (2 Occurrences). Joshua ...
/a/atroth-addar.htm - 7k

Beth-hor'on (12 Occurrences)
... 16:5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus;
even the border of their inheritance eastward was Atroth-addar, unto Beth ...
/b/beth-hor'on.htm - 9k

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

Atroth (2 Occurrences)

/a/atroth.htm - 6k

Ataroth-addar (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATAROTH-ADDAR. at'-a-roth-ad'-ar (`aTroth 'addar,
"crowns of Addar"). See ATAROTH (2). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/a/ataroth-addar.htm - 7k

Atrothbethjoab

/a/atrothbethjoab.htm - 6k

Passes (74 Occurrences)
... 18:13 And the border passed along from thence to Luz, to the side of Luz--the same
is Beth-el--southward; and the border went down to Atroth-addar, by the ...
/p/passes.htm - 28k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus