Chesalon
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Topical Encyclopedia
Chesalon is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Judah. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the allotment of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Reference:

In Joshua 15:10 , Chesalon is mentioned as part of the boundary description for the tribe of Judah: "Then the border turned westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, continued to the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth Shemesh, and crossed to Timnah."

Geographical Context:

Chesalon is identified as being on the northern slope of Mount Jearim. The location is significant in defining the western boundary of Judah's territory. The mention of Chesalon in conjunction with other geographical markers such as Baalah, Beth Shemesh, and Timnah helps to establish its position within the Judean landscape. The precise identification of Chesalon in modern geography is uncertain, but it is generally associated with the region west of Jerusalem, possibly near the modern village of Kesla.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The mention of Chesalon in the delineation of tribal boundaries underscores the importance of land division in ancient Israelite society. The allocation of land was not only a matter of practical governance but also held theological significance, as it represented the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the inheritance of the land by his descendants (Genesis 15:18-21).

The boundaries described in Joshua, including the reference to Chesalon, reflect the Israelites' transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled agricultural society. This transition was central to their identity as a people chosen by God to inhabit a specific land, which was to be governed according to His laws and commandments.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Chesalon and other boundary markers in the Book of Joshua highlights the faithfulness of God in delivering His promises. The detailed description of the land divisions serves as a testament to God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing His role as the sovereign provider and sustainer of His people.

Furthermore, the territorial boundaries, including Chesalon, symbolize the order and structure that God intended for His chosen nation. The land was not merely a physical inheritance but also a spiritual one, where the Israelites were to live in obedience to God's statutes and serve as a light to the surrounding nations.

Conclusion:

While Chesalon itself is a minor geographical reference within the broader narrative of the Bible, its inclusion in the scriptural record contributes to the understanding of Israel's history and God's covenantal relationship with His people. The precise location may remain uncertain, but its role in the biblical text is clear, serving as a marker of divine promise and provision.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Chesalon

(hopes), a place named as one of the landmarks on the west part of the north boundary of Judah, (Joshua 15:10) probably Kesla , about six miles to the northeast of Ainshems , on the western mountains of Judah.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Strength; confidence, a place on the border of Judah, on the side of Mount Jearim (Joshua 15:10); probably identified with the modern village of Kesla, on the western mountains of Judah.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHESALON

kes'-a-lon (kecalon; Chaslon, Chasalon): One of the cities on the Northern boundary of Judah (Joshua 15:10). In the 4th century it was a "very large village." It is now Kesla, 2,087 ft. above sea-level, a small village perched on a mountain ridge to the South of Wady el Humar. See Palestine Exploration Fund, III, 25, 26; Sh XVII.

Strong's Hebrew
3693. Kesalon -- a place on the border of Judah
... 3692, 3693. Kesalon. 3694 . a place on the border of Judah. Transliteration:
Kesalon Phonetic Spelling: (kes-aw-lone') Short Definition: Chesalon. ... Chesalon. ...
/hebrew/3693.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Chesalon (1 Occurrence)
...CHESALON. kes'-a-lon (kecalon; Chaslon, Chasalon): One of the cities on the Northern
boundary of Judah (Joshua 15:10). ...Chesalon (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/chesalon.htm - 7k

Jearim (19 Occurrences)
... 10). It is mentioned here only, and is identical with CHESALON (which see).
Multi-Version Concordance Jearim (19 Occurrences). Joshua ...
/j/jearim.htm - 13k

Ches'alon (1 Occurrence)
Ches'alon. Chesalon, Ches'alon. Chesed . Multi-Version Concordance Ches'alon
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Chesalon, Ches'alon. Chesed . Reference Bible.
/c/ches'alon.htm - 6k

Seir (38 Occurrences)
... 2) (har se`ir; Codex Vaticanus Assar; Codex Alexandrinus See ir): A landmark on
the boundary of Judah (Joshua 15:10), not far from Kiriath-jearim and Chesalon. ...
/s/seir.htm - 21k

Cherubs (52 Occurrences)

/c/cherubs.htm - 22k

Kesalon (1 Occurrence)
... 10 and the border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along
to the side of Mount Jearim on the north (the same is Chesalon), and went ...
/k/kesalon.htm - 6k

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... the boundary line of Judah and Benjamin between two known points-the "waters of
Nephtoah," very generally supposed to be Lifta, and Chesalon, certainly Kesla ...
/k/kiriath-jearim.htm - 19k

Kiriathjearim
... the boundary line of Judah and Benjamin between two known points-the "waters of
Nephtoah," very generally supposed to be Lifta, and Chesalon, certainly Kesla ...
/k/kiriathjearim.htm - 13k

Northwards (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:10 and the border turned from Baalah westwards toward mount Seir, and
passed toward the side of Har-jearim, that is, Chesalon, northwards, and went ...
/n/northwards.htm - 7k

Northern (18 Occurrences)
... And the border turned about from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along
unto the side of mount Jearim on the north--the same is Chesalon--and went ...
/n/northern.htm - 12k

Resources
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Concordance
Chesalon (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 15:10
and the border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim on the north (the same is Chesalon), and went down to Beth Shemesh, and passed along by Timnah;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Subtopics

Chesalon

Chesalon: A Landmark on the North Boundary of the Tribe of Judah

Related Terms

Chesed (1 Occurrence)

Chesalon (1 Occurrence)

Cherubs
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