Heleph is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their conquest under Joshua's leadership.

Biblical Reference:
Heleph is mentioned in Joshua 19:33, which outlines the borders of the land allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Their border started at Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, passed Adami Nekeb and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, and ended at the Jordan."

Geographical Context:
Heleph is identified as a starting point in the delineation of Naphtali's territory. The precise location of Heleph is not definitively known today, but it is understood to be situated in the northern region of ancient Israel, within the area assigned to Naphtali. The mention of the "oak in Zaanannim" provides a geographical marker that suggests Heleph was in proximity to this notable landmark.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including the mention of Heleph, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. For the tribe of Naphtali, Heleph represents a part of their divinely ordained inheritance, a tangible expression of their identity and role within the nation of Israel.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence for Heleph has not been conclusively identified, the broader region of Naphtali has yielded various findings that illuminate the historical context of the biblical narrative. The mention of landmarks such as the "oak in Zaanannim" suggests a landscape that was familiar to the ancient Israelites, marked by significant natural features that served as boundary markers.

Interpretative Considerations:
In studying the mention of Heleph, it is important to consider the broader narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan. The detailed descriptions of tribal boundaries in the Book of Joshua reflect the importance of land in the Israelite understanding of God's promises and their communal identity. Heleph, as part of Naphtali's inheritance, contributes to the larger tapestry of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan as revealed in the Scriptures.Heleph

changing; passing over

Heleph

(exchange), the place from which the boundary of the tribe of Naphtali started. (Joshua 19:33)

Exchange, a city on the north border of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33). HELEPH

he'-lef (cheleph): A place on the southern border of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33); unidentified.

2501. Cheleph -- a place in Naphtali
... 2500, 2501. Cheleph. 2502 . a place in Naphtali. Transliteration: Cheleph
Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'lef) Short Definition: Heleph. ... Heleph. ...
/hebrew/2501.htm - 6kHeleph (1 Occurrence)
...HELEPH. he'-lef (cheleph): A place on the southern border of Naphtali (Joshua
19:33); unidentified. Multi-Version Concordance Heleph (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/heleph.htm - 7k

Helez (4 Occurrences)

/h/helez.htm - 8k

Zaanannim (2 Occurrences)
... Zaanannim (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak
in Zaanannim, Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum. It ended at the Jordan. ...
/z/zaanannim.htm - 8k

Za-anan'nim (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:33 And their border was from Heleph, from Elon-beza-anannim, and
Adami-nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakkum; and the goings out thereof were at the Jordan ...
/z/za-anan'nim.htm - 7k

Nekeb (1 Occurrence)
... Nekeb (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in
Zaanannim, Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum. It ended at the Jordan. ...
/n/nekeb.htm - 7k

Oak-tree (11 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:33 And their limit was from Heleph, from the oak-tree in Zaanannim, and
Adami-hannekeb and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, ending at Jordan; (BBE). ...
/o/oak-tree.htm - 10k

Outgoings (21 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:33 And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami,
Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan ...
/o/outgoings.htm - 12k

Lakkum (1 Occurrence)
... Lakkum (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in
Zaanannim, Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum. It ended at the Jordan. ...
/l/lakkum.htm - 7k

Lakum (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:33 And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami,
Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan ...
/l/lakum.htm - 6k

Elon-beza-anannim (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:33 And their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, and
Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakkum; and the goings out thereof were at the ...
/e/elon-beza-anannim.htm - 6k

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