Biblical References:
Hilen is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is referenced in Joshua 15:51 and 21:15.

Location and Description:
Hilen is identified as one of the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It is situated in the hill country, a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic significance. The exact location of Hilen is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been in the southern part of Judah's inheritance, possibly near Hebron, given its association with other cities in the area.

Historical and Theological Significance:
In the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, Hilen was one of the cities given to the Levites, specifically to the descendants of Aaron, the priestly line. This allocation is recorded in Joshua 21:15: "Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes." The mention of Hilen in this context underscores its role in supporting the Levitical priesthood, which was integral to the religious life of Israel. The Levites were responsible for the spiritual leadership and the maintenance of the tabernacle, and later the temple, serving as mediators between God and the people.

Cultural Context:
The allocation of cities like Hilen to the Levites reflects the broader cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel. The Levites did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes; instead, they were given cities scattered throughout the land. This distribution allowed them to perform their religious duties and teach the Law of God across the nation. Hilen, as a Levitical city, would have been a center for worship and instruction in the Law, contributing to the spiritual and communal life of the surrounding region.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly linked to Hilen, the study of similar Levitical cities provides insights into their structure and function. These cities often included facilities for worship and community gatherings, reflecting their dual role as religious and administrative centers. The lack of specific archaeological findings for Hilen highlights the challenges in identifying and excavating smaller, ancient sites in the region.

Conclusion:
Hilen's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights its importance as part of the Levitical inheritance. Its role in supporting the priestly functions and its location within the tribal lands of Judah underscore the interconnectedness of the tribes and the centrality of worship in the life of ancient Israel.Hilen

a window; grief

Hilen

(place of caves), the name of city of Judah allotted with its suburbs to the priests. (1 Chronicles 6:58)

HILEN

hi-len (chilen): A city in the hill country of Judah, probably West or Southwest of Hebron, assigned with its suburbs to the Levites (1 Chronicles 6:58 (Hebrew 43)). The form of the name in Joshua 15:51; Joshua 21:15 is HOLON (which see).

2432. Chilen -- a place in Judah
... 2431, 2432. Chilen. 2433 . a place in Judah. Transliteration: Chilen Phonetic
Spelling: (khee-lane') Short Definition: Hilen. ... Hilen. ...
/hebrew/2432.htm - 6kHilen (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HILEN. ... The form of the name in Joshua 15:51; Joshua
21:15 is HOLON (which see). Multi-Version Concordance Hilen (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hilen.htm - 7k

Outskirts (38 Occurrences)
... with its outskirts, (BBE). 1 Chronicles 6:58 And Hilen with its outskirts,
Debir with its outskirts, (BBE). 1 Chronicles 6:59 And ...
/o/outskirts.htm - 17k

Holon (3 Occurrences)
... In 1 Chronicles 6:58 (Hebrew 43), it is HILEN (which see). The site may be the
important ruins of Beit`Alam (see PEF, III, 313, 321, Sh XXI). ...
/h/holon.htm - 7k

Debir (12 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 6:58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its
suburbs, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/debir.htm - 16k

Suburbs (75 Occurrences)
... ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 6:58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with
its suburbs, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 6:59 ...
/s/suburbs.htm - 29k

Pasture (120 Occurrences)
... suburbs, (See NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir
with its suburbs, (See NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:59 and ...
/p/pasture.htm - 33k

Highway-side (1 Occurrence)
Highway-side. High-ways, Highway-side. Hilen . Multi-Version Concordance
Highway-side (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). High-ways, Highway-side. Hilen . Reference ...
/h/highway-side.htm - 6k

Lands (226 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:58 and Hilen with the open land about it, Debir
with the open land about it; (See NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/l/lands.htm - 35k

Hilkiah (31 Occurrences)

/h/hilkiah.htm - 22k

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