Enshemesh, meaning "spring of the sun" in Hebrew, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is referenced in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel, specifically within the delineation of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:7 : "Then it went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor and turned northward toward Gilgal, which faces the Pass of Adummim south of the valley; and it continued along to the waters of Enshemesh and came out at En-rogel."

2. Joshua 18:17 : "It curved northward and went to Enshemesh, and continued to Geliloth, which is opposite the Pass of Adummim, and went down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."

In these passages, Enshemesh is described as a landmark on the boundary line between the territories of Judah and Benjamin. Its mention alongside other geographical markers such as the Valley of Achor, Gilgal, and En-rogel suggests its significance in the ancient landscape of Israel.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Enshemesh is traditionally identified with a spring located near the modern-day city of Jerusalem. The exact location is debated among scholars, but it is generally associated with a site east of Jerusalem, possibly near the modern Ain el-Hod or Ain Ha-Shemesh. The spring would have been a vital water source in the arid region, making it a notable landmark for defining tribal boundaries.

The name "spring of the sun" may indicate a place of natural beauty or significance, possibly associated with solar worship or simply reflecting the sun's prominence in the region. Springs were often considered sacred in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and their presence was crucial for sustaining life and agriculture.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Enshemesh in the Bible underscores the importance of land and boundaries in the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The precise delineation of tribal territories reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each boundary marker, including Enshemesh, serves as a testament to the divine allocation of the Promised Land.

The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing order, inheritance, and the faithfulness of God in providing for His people. Enshemesh, as part of this divinely ordained geography, plays a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's covenantal faithfulness.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly linked to Enshemesh, the study of ancient water systems and springs in the region provides insight into the daily life and survival strategies of the Israelites. Springs like Enshemesh would have been central to community life, serving as gathering places and essential resources for agriculture and livestock.

In summary, Enshemesh is a significant biblical landmark that highlights the intricate details of Israel's tribal boundaries and the fulfillment of God's promises. Its mention in the Scriptures invites reflection on the historical and theological dimensions of the land of Israel as a central element of the biblical narrative.Enshemesh

(fountain of the sun), a spring which formed one of the landmarks on the north boundary of Judah, (Joshua 15:7) and the south boundary of Benjamin, (Joshua 18:17) perhaps Ain Haud or Ain-Chot --the "well of apostles" --about a mile below Bethany.

Fountain of the sun a spring which formed one of the landmarks on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7; 18:17). It was between the "ascent of Adummim" and the spring of En-rogel, and hence was on the east of Jerusalem and of the Mount of Olives. It is the modern `Ain-Haud i.e., the "well of the apostles" about a mile east of Bethany, the only spring on the road to Jericho. The sun shines on it the whole day long. EN-SHEMESH

en-she'-mesh (`en shemesh, "spring of the sun"):

An important landmark on the boundary line between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:17).

The little spring `Ain el chand, East of Bethany, the last spring on the road descending to Jericho, seems to suit the conditions. `Ain el chaud is usually called the "Apostles' Fountain" by Christians, on account of a tradition dating from the 15th century that the apostles drank there.

Enshemesh (2 Occurrences)
... drank there. Multi-Version Concordance Enshemesh (2 Occurrences). Joshua
15:7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley ...
/e/enshemesh.htm - 8k

En-shemesh (2 Occurrences)
En-shemesh. Enshemesh, En-shemesh. En-she'mesh . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Enshemesh, En-shemesh. En-she'mesh . Reference Bible.
/e/en-shemesh.htm - 8k

Ensamples (3 Occurrences)

/e/ensamples.htm - 7k

Goings (42 Occurrences)
... toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side
of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the ...
/g/goings.htm - 22k

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side
of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the ...
/e/enrogel.htm - 15k

Descended (64 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went
forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and ...
/d/descended.htm - 25k

Drawn (131 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went
forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and ...
/d/drawn.htm - 37k

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