Hethlon is a geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the land of Israel. It is referenced in the prophetic books of Ezekiel, where it serves as a point of demarcation in the description of the idealized borders of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 47:15 · "This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side, from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon, to Lebo-hamath, then on to Zedad."

2. Ezekiel 48:1 · "Now these are the names of the tribes: From the northern end, along the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath, as far as Hazar-enan (the border of Damascus), with the border of Hamath to the north, there shall be one portion for Dan."

Geographical Context:

Hethlon is described as a northern boundary marker in the prophetic vision of the land of Israel. Its exact location is not definitively known today, but it is generally considered to be situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, possibly near the region of modern-day Lebanon or Syria. The mention of Hethlon in conjunction with other locations such as Lebo-hamath and Zedad suggests it was part of the northern frontier of the Promised Land as envisioned by the prophet Ezekiel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

In the context of Ezekiel's vision, Hethlon represents more than just a geographical marker; it is part of the divine promise of land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The delineation of boundaries in Ezekiel 47 and 48 is part of a larger eschatological vision where God restores the land to His people, symbolizing His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Theologically, the mention of Hethlon and other boundary markers underscores the importance of land in the biblical narrative. The land is not merely a physical inheritance but is deeply tied to the identity and mission of the people of Israel. It serves as a tangible expression of God's covenant relationship with His chosen people, a place where they are to live out their calling as a holy nation.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence to pinpoint the exact location of Hethlon, its mention alongside known locations like Lebo-hamath provides some context for its placement. The region described in Ezekiel's vision corresponds to the northernmost reaches of the ancient kingdom of Israel, an area that has historically been a crossroads of various cultures and empires.

In summary, Hethlon is a significant biblical location that plays a role in the prophetic vision of Israel's territorial restoration. Its mention in the book of Ezekiel highlights the enduring themes of promise, covenant, and divine faithfulness that run throughout the biblical narrative.Hethlon

a fearful dwelling

Hethlon

(hiding-place), the name of a place on the northern border of Palestine. (Ezekiel 47:15; 48:1) In all probability the "way of Hethlon" is the pass at the northern end of Lebanon, and is thus identical with "the entrance of Hamath" in (Numbers 34:8) etc.

Wrapped up, a place on the north border of Palestine. The "way of Hethlon" (Ezek. 47:15; 48:1) is probably the pass at the end of Lebanon from the Mediterranean to the great plain of Hamath (q.v.), or the "entrance of Hamath." HETHLON

heth'-lon (chethlon; Peshitta chethron): Name of a place associated with Zedad on the ideal northern boundary of Israel, as given in Ezekiel 47:15 and 48:1, but not named in Numbers 34:8, while the Septuagint evidently translated the text it had. In accordance with the opinion they hold as to the boundary line of Northern Israel, van Kasteren and Buhl seek to identify Hethlon with 'Adlun on the river Qasmiyeh. Much more in harmony with the line of the other border towns given is its identification with Heitala to the Northeast of Tripoli. The "way of Hethlon" would then coincide with the Eleutherus valley, between Homs and the Mediterranean, through which the railway now runs, and to this identification the Septuagint seems to give testimony, indicating some path of "descent" from the Biqa'a.

W. M. Christie

2855. Chethlon -- a place in Northern Palestine
... a place in Northern Palestine. Transliteration: Chethlon Phonetic Spelling:
(kheth-lone') Short Definition: Hethlon. ... NASB Word Usage Hethlon (2). Hethlon. ...
/hebrew/2855.htm - 6kHethlon (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Wrapped up, a place on the north border of Palestine.
The "way of Hethlon" (Ezek. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HETHLON. ...
/h/hethlon.htm - 8k

Lebo (12 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 47:15 This shall be the border of the land: On the north side,
from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, to the entrance of Zedad; (See NIV) ...
/l/lebo.htm - 9k

Heth (13 Occurrences)

/h/heth.htm - 11k

Hew (17 Occurrences)

/h/hew.htm - 12k

Zedad (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 47:15 This shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the
great sea, by the way of Hethlon, to the entrance of Zedad; (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/z/zedad.htm - 8k

Northern (18 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48:1 And these 'are' the names of the tribes: From the north end unto the
side of the way of Hethlon, at the coming in to Hamath, Hazar-Enan, the ...
/n/northern.htm - 12k

Lebo-hamath (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes: From the north end, beside the
way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of ...
/l/lebo-hamath.htm - 8k

Frontier (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48:1 And these 'are' the names of the tribes: From the north end unto the
side of the way of Hethlon, at the coming in to Hamath, Hazar-Enan, the ...
/f/frontier.htm - 9k

Extending (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes: From the north end, beside the
way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of ...
/e/extending.htm - 11k

Enan (9 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes: From the north end, beside the
way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of ...
/e/enan.htm - 9k

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