Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: Ithlah is mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the territorial allotments for the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes. The reference to Ithlah is brief, appearing in the list of towns allocated to the tribe of Dan. Scriptural Citation: Joshua 19:42 · "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah," Historical and Geographical Context: Ithlah is one of the towns listed in the inheritance of the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan was initially allotted a portion of land in the southwestern part of Canaan, near the Philistine territory. This area was known for its fertile plains and strategic location, although the Danites faced challenges in fully occupying their inheritance due to the presence of strong Canaanite cities and the Philistines. The exact location of Ithlah is not definitively known today, as it is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text or in extrabiblical sources. However, it is presumed to have been situated within the general region assigned to Dan, possibly near other known locations such as Aijalon and Shaalabbin. The lack of archaeological evidence makes it difficult to pinpoint its precise location or significance beyond its mention in the tribal allotment. Theological Significance: While Ithlah itself does not hold a prominent place in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the list of Danite towns underscores the broader theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's covenant with His people, providing them with a homeland as He had promised. The challenges faced by the tribe of Dan in securing their territory, including the presence of formidable enemies, serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. This struggle is a recurring theme in the historical books of the Old Testament, highlighting the need for reliance on God's strength and guidance. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: Due to the limited information available about Ithlah, there are no significant cultural or archaeological insights specific to this town. However, the general region of Dan's inheritance has been the subject of archaeological interest, with excavations revealing insights into the broader Canaanite and Philistine cultures that interacted with the Israelites during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Conclusion: Ithlah, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history as recorded in the Bible. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments reflects the detailed record-keeping and the importance of land inheritance in ancient Israelite society. The town's mention serves as a reminder of the historical and theological context of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ITHLAHith'-la (yithlah; the King James Version Jetblah): A town in the territory of Dan, named with Aijalon and Elon (Joshua 19:42). Strong's Hebrew 3494. Yithlah -- "it will hang," a place in Dan... 3493, 3494. Yithlah. 3495 . "it will hang," a place in Dan. Transliteration: Yithlah Phonetic Spelling: (yith-law') Short Definition: Ithlah. ... /hebrew/3494.htm - 6k Thesaurus Ithlah (1 Occurrence)...ITHLAH. ith'-la (yithlah; the King James Version Jetblah): A town in the territory of Dan, named with Aijalon and Elon (Joshua 19:42). ...Ithlah (1 Occurrence). ... /i/ithlah.htm - 6k Ith'i-el (1 Occurrence) Ithmah (1 Occurrence) Elon (8 Occurrences) Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences) Aijalon (10 Occurrences) Sha-alab'bin (1 Occurrence) Shaalabbin (1 Occurrence) Jethlah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ithlah (1 Occurrence)Joshua 19:42 Subtopics Related Terms |