Chephar-ammonah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is one of the landmarks delineating the boundary of the tribe of Benjamin. The name "Chephar-ammonah" is derived from Hebrew roots, with "Chephar" meaning "village" and "Ammonah" possibly relating to the Ammonites, though the exact etymology and significance remain subjects of scholarly discussion.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Chephar-ammonah is found in Joshua 18:24-25, where it is listed among the cities marking the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Benjamin. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows:

"The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin: Their territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph. Their northern border began at the Jordan, went up to the slope of Jericho on the north, continued westward through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. From there it crossed over to Luz (that is, Bethel), and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. Then the border curved southward to the hill country of Ephron and turned toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim). The border then circled west of Baalah to Mount Seir, passed along to the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth-shemesh, and crossed to Timnah. The border then went to the northern slope of Ekron, turned toward Shikkeron, passed along to Mount Baalah, and came out at Jabneel, ending at the sea. The western border was the coastline of the Great Sea. These are the boundaries around the clans of the tribe of Benjamin." (Joshua 18:11-20)

Geographical Context:

Chephar-ammonah is situated within the central highlands of ancient Israel, a region characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location. The precise location of Chephar-ammonah is not definitively known today, and it does not appear in modern maps. However, its mention alongside other identifiable locations provides some context for its general vicinity within the tribal allotment of Benjamin.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Chephar-ammonah in the biblical record underscores the importance of territorial boundaries in ancient Israelite society. The delineation of tribal lands was not merely a matter of geography but also of covenantal significance. The land was seen as a divine inheritance, a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each tribe's portion was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and a reminder of the Israelites' identity as His chosen people.

Theologically, the mention of specific locations like Chephar-ammonah serves to root the biblical narrative in real history, affirming the reliability and historicity of the Scriptures. It reflects the meticulous care with which the biblical authors recorded the details of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the ages.

Archaeological Insights:

While Chephar-ammonah itself has not been conclusively identified through archaeological means, the broader region of Benjamin has yielded significant archaeological findings. Excavations in nearby areas have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide insight into the daily life, culture, and religious practices of the ancient Israelites. These discoveries contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical context in which biblical events unfolded.

In summary, Chephar-ammonah, though a minor and somewhat obscure location in the biblical text, plays a role in the larger narrative of Israel's inheritance and settlement in the land promised by God. Its mention in the Book of Joshua highlights the detailed nature of the biblical record and the enduring significance of the land in the faith and identity of the Israelite people.Chephar-ammonah (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 18:24
and Chephar-ammoni, and Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages:
(See JPS)

Chephar-ammonah (1 Occurrence)
Chephar-ammonah. Chephar, Chephar-ammonah. Chepharammoni .
Multi-Version Concordance Chephar-ammonah (1 Occurrence). ...
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Chepharammoni

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Chephar (1 Occurrence)

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Che'phar-am'moni (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Che'phar-am'moni (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:24 and
Chephar-ammonah, and Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages: (See RSV). ...
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