Introduction:
Gederoth is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments and historical narratives of the Israelites. It is one of the towns in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah. The name "Gederoth" is derived from the Hebrew word "geder," meaning "walls" or "enclosures," suggesting it may have been a fortified settlement or a place with significant agricultural activity.

Biblical References:
Gederoth is mentioned in the Book of Joshua and the Second Book of Chronicles. In Joshua 15:41, Gederoth is listed among the towns in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah: "Gederoth, Beth-dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities, along with their villages." This passage highlights Gederoth as part of the inheritance given to Judah, emphasizing its role within the broader community of Israel.

In 2 Chronicles 28:18, Gederoth is mentioned in the context of the military campaigns of the Philistines during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah: "The Philistines also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah. They captured and occupied Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their surrounding villages." This reference indicates that Gederoth was a site of conflict and strategic importance during this tumultuous period in Judah's history.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Gederoth was situated in the Shephelah, a region characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, making it suitable for agriculture and settlement. The Shephelah served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains occupied by the Philistines and the central highlands where the Israelites primarily resided. This geographical positioning made towns like Gederoth significant in the defense and economic stability of Judah.

The historical context of Gederoth's mention in 2 Chronicles suggests a period of vulnerability for Judah, as the Philistines took advantage of the weakened state of the kingdom under Ahaz. The capture of Gederoth and other towns reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their neighboring peoples, particularly the Philistines, who were a constant threat to the security and prosperity of the Israelite tribes.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Gederoth is limited, the general region of the Shephelah has been the focus of numerous excavations. These have revealed insights into the lifestyle, fortifications, and agricultural practices of the inhabitants during the biblical period. The presence of fortified structures and agricultural installations in the Shephelah aligns with the biblical description of Gederoth as a town with walls or enclosures.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, Gederoth's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the themes of divine providence and judgment. The allocation of Gederoth to the tribe of Judah reflects God's promise to Abraham regarding the land, while its capture by the Philistines during Ahaz's reign serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for reliance on God for protection and deliverance.

Conclusion:
Gederoth, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, plays a role in illustrating the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites. Its mention in the context of tribal inheritance and military conflict provides insight into the challenges faced by the people of Judah and the enduring significance of the land in the biblical narrative.Gederoth

(sheepfolds), a town in the low country of Judah. (Joshua 15:41; 2 Chronicles 28:18)

GEDEROTH

ged'-e-roth, ge-de'-roth (gedheroth): A town in the Shephelah of Judah, named with Kithlish, Beth-dagon, Naamah and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41). It is mentioned along with Bethshemesh and Aijalon as taken by the Philistines in the reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:18). It possibly corresponds with the "Kidron" of 1 Maccabees 15:39, 41; 16:09. Eusebius, Onomasticon places a very large village named Gedrom 10 Roman miles from Lydda on the road to Eleutheropolis. This points to Katrah, Southeast of Yebnah.

1450. Gederoth -- "walls," a place in Judah
... 1449, 1450. Gederoth. 1451 . "walls," a place in Judah. Transliteration: Gederoth
Phonetic Spelling: (ghed-ay-rohth') Short Definition: Gederoth. ...
/hebrew/1450.htm - 6kGederoth (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GEDEROTH. ...Gederoth (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:41
Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. ...
/g/gederoth.htm - 7k

Gede'roth (2 Occurrences)
Gede'roth. Gederoth, Gede'roth. Gederothaim . ... Joshua 15:41 and Gederoth,
Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. (See RSV) ...
/g/gede'roth.htm - 7k

Bethdagon (2 Occurrences)
... BETH-DAGON. beth-da'-gon (bethdaghon; Bethdagon): (1) A town in the Shephelah of
Judah named with Gederoth, Naamah, and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41). ...
/b/bethdagon.htm - 8k

Beth-dagon (2 Occurrences)
... BETH-DAGON. beth-da'-gon (bethdaghon; Bethdagon): (1) A town in the Shephelah of
Judah named with Gederoth, Naamah, and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41). ...
/b/beth-dagon.htm - 8k

Makkedah (8 Occurrences)
... Azekah to Makkedah. Azekah is not identified, but it is named with Gederoth,
Beth-dagon, and Naamah (Joshua 15:41). These are probably ...
/m/makkedah.htm - 12k

Villages (106 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 15:41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon,
Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. ...
/v/villages.htm - 38k

Naamah (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Joshua 15:41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon,
Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. ...
/n/naamah.htm - 10k

Na'amah (5 Occurrences)
... Tubal Cain's sister was Naamah. (See RSV). Joshua 15:41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah,
and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/n/na'amah.htm - 8k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... places. (BBE). Joshua 15:41 And Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah;
sixteen towns with their unwalled places. (BBE). Joshua ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

Gimzo (1 Occurrence)
... 28:18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the South
of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Soco ...
/g/gimzo.htm - 7k

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