Dilean is a town mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the tribal allotments of the Promised Land. It is referenced specifically in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah. The mention of Dilean is brief, and it appears in a list of towns that were allocated to Judah, indicating its significance as part of the territorial boundaries and settlements of the tribe.

Biblical Reference:

· Joshua 15:38: "Dilean, Mizpeh, Joktheel,"

In this passage, Dilean is listed among other towns in the Shephelah, or the lowland region of Judah. The Shephelah was a fertile area known for its agricultural productivity, lying between the coastal plains and the central highlands of Israel. This region played a crucial role in the history and economy of ancient Israel, serving as a buffer zone against Philistine incursions and providing resources for the sustenance of the Israelite tribes.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Dilean is not definitively known today, as it is one of several ancient towns whose precise sites have been lost over time. However, it is generally understood to have been situated in the southern part of the Shephelah. Archaeological and geographical studies have attempted to identify possible locations, but no conclusive evidence has been found to pinpoint its exact site.

The mention of Dilean in the context of Judah's inheritance underscores the importance of land distribution among the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Joshua. This distribution was not only a fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs but also a practical arrangement for the settlement and governance of the Israelite people in the land of Canaan.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the listing of towns like Dilean in the tribal allotments serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed records of these allotments reflect the historical reality of Israel's settlement in the land and the divine orchestration of their national identity and territorial integrity.

The inclusion of Dilean, though brief, is part of the broader narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel. It highlights the importance of land as a divine gift and a symbol of God's provision and blessing. The allocation of land to the tribes, including the town of Dilean, is a reminder of the covenantal promises that shaped the history and faith of the Israelite people.Dilean

that is poor

Dilean

(gourd), one of the cities in the lowlands of Judah. (Joshua 15:38) It has not been identified with certainty.

DILEAN

dil'-e-an (dil`an, "cucumber"): A town in the Shephelah of Judah named with Migdal-gad and Mizpeh (Joshua 15:38, the English Revised Version "Dilan"), which lay probably on the North of Lachish and Eglon. It has not been identified.

1810. Dilan -- a city in Judah
... 1809, 1810. Dilan. 1811 . a city in Judah. Transliteration: Dilan Phonetic
Spelling: (dil-awn') Short Definition: Dilean. ... Dilean. ...
/hebrew/1810.htm - 5kDilean (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DILEAN. ...Dilean (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:38
Dilean, Mizpeh, Joktheel, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/d/dilean.htm - 6k

Di'lean (1 Occurrence)
Di'lean. Dilean, Di'lean. Dilemma . Multi-Version Concordance Di'lean (1
Occurrence). Joshua 15:38 Dilean, Mizpeh, Joktheel, (See RSV). ...
/d/di'lean.htm - 6k

Joktheel (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Joktheel (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:38 Dilean,
Mizpeh, Joktheel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/joktheel.htm - 8k

Dilan (1 Occurrence)

/d/dilan.htm - 6k

Mizpeh (24 Occurrences)
... BBE DBY WBS NAS). Joshua 15:38 Dilean, Mizpeh, Joktheel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV
BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Joshua 18:26 Mizpeh, Chephirah ...
/m/mizpeh.htm - 21k

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