Gath-rim'mon
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Gath-rim'mon is a biblical city mentioned in the Old Testament, notable for its association with the Levitical cities and its location within the tribal territories of Israel. The name "Gath-rim'mon" is often understood to mean "winepress of Rimmon," indicating a possible connection to agricultural activities, particularly the production of wine, which was a common practice in ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Allocation to the Levites:
Gath-rim'mon is first mentioned in the context of the distribution of cities to the Levites. In the Book of Joshua, Gath-rim'mon is listed as one of the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Dan. Joshua 21:24-25 states, "Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, along with their pasturelands." This allocation underscores the city's role in supporting the Levitical priesthood, which was responsible for religious duties and the maintenance of worship practices in Israel.

2. Tribal Territory:
The city is also mentioned in the context of the tribal inheritance of Dan. In Joshua 19:45 , Gath-rim'mon is included in the list of towns within the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan: "Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath-rimmon." This indicates its geographical and cultural significance within the Danite region.

3. Chronicles Reference:
Gath-rim'mon is also referenced in 1 Chronicles 6:69 , which reiterates its status as a Levitical city: "Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, with their pasturelands." This repetition in Chronicles serves to confirm the city's enduring role in the religious and communal life of Israel.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

The exact location of Gath-rim'mon has been a subject of scholarly debate, with some identifying it with sites in the modern-day region of Israel. The city's mention alongside other known locations provides clues to its approximate area, likely within the central or southern part of the country, consistent with the tribal lands of Dan.

Theological Significance:

Gath-rim'mon's inclusion as a Levitical city highlights the importance of the Levites in ancient Israelite society. As a city designated for the Levites, Gath-rim'mon would have been a center for religious instruction and worship, contributing to the spiritual life of the nation. The Levites, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, were instead given cities and surrounding pasturelands to sustain their families and fulfill their duties.

The city's name, "winepress of Rimmon," may also carry symbolic meaning, reflecting the agricultural abundance and divine provision in the Promised Land. Wine, often associated with joy and celebration in biblical texts, could symbolize the blessings and prosperity bestowed upon the people of Israel.

In summary, Gath-rim'mon serves as a testament to the organization and distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, as well as the special provision made for the Levitical priesthood. Its mention in the biblical narrative underscores the interconnectedness of tribal, religious, and cultural life in ancient Israel.
Concordance
Gath-rim'mon (4 Occurrences)

Joshua 19:45
and Jehud, and Bene-berak, and Gath-rimmon;
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:24
Aijalon with the open land about it, Gath-rimmon with the open land about it; four cities.
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:25
And out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with the open land about it, and Gath-rimmon with the open land about it; two cities.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:69
and Aijalon with the open land about it, and Gath-rimmon with the open land about it;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Gath-rim'mon (4 Occurrences)
Gath-rim'mon. Gath-rimmon, Gath-rim'mon. Gaudy . Multi-Version Concordance
Gath-rim'mon (4 Occurrences). Joshua 19:45 and Jehud, and ...
/g/gath-rim'mon.htm - 7k

Gath-rimmon (4 Occurrences)
Gath-rimmon. Gathrimmon, Gath-rimmon. Gath-rim'mon . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Gathrimmon, Gath-rimmon. Gath-rim'mon . Reference Bible.
/g/gath-rimmon.htm - 9k

Gaudy (1 Occurrence)

/g/gaudy.htm - 7k

Resources
What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.org

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