Helkath is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the tribal allotments of the land of Canaan. It is located in the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher. In Joshua 19:25, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph." Helkath is also noted in Joshua 21:31 as one of the cities given to the Levites, specifically to the Gershonite clan, as part of their inheritance among the tribes of Israel. The name "Helkath" is thought to mean "portion" or "field," reflecting its role as a part of the land division among the tribes.

Hali

Hali is another town listed in the tribal inheritance of Asher. It appears alongside Helkath in Joshua 19:25. The exact location of Hali is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text. Its inclusion in the list of Asherite towns suggests its significance in the regional landscape during the time of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Beten

Beten is a town mentioned in the same passage as Helkath and Hali, within the territory of Asher. Like Hali, Beten's precise location remains uncertain in modern times. The mention of Beten in Joshua 19:25 indicates its role in the tribal allotment process, contributing to the understanding of the geographical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel.

Achshaph

Achshaph is a city mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments of Asher in Joshua 19:25. It is also referenced earlier in the biblical narrative as a Canaanite city whose king was defeated by Joshua during the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 11:1, the BSB records: "When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, the king of Shimron, the king of Achshaph." Achshaph's inclusion in these accounts highlights its significance as a fortified city and its strategic importance in the region.

Contextual Significance

The towns of Helkath, Hali, Beten, and Achshaph, among others, are part of the detailed territorial descriptions found in the Book of Joshua. These descriptions serve to document the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of specific towns and regions to the tribes of Israel underscores the importance of land inheritance in the covenant relationship between God and His people. The mention of these towns also provides insight into the historical and geographical context of ancient Israel, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of the land during the biblical period.