The Japhletites are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments of the tribes of Israel. They are identified as descendants of Japhlet, who is listed among the sons of Heber, a descendant of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The Japhletites are thus associated with the tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to the Japhletites is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 16:3, the Japhletites are mentioned in the description of the borders of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim:

"And it went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the region of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, ending at the sea." (Joshua 16:3)

This passage indicates that the Japhletites occupied a region that was part of the boundary of Ephraim's inheritance. The mention of the Japhletites in this context suggests that they were a recognized group or clan within the broader tribal structure of Israel.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Japhletites' territory is described as being in proximity to significant locations such as Lower Beth-horon and Gezer. Beth-horon was a strategic location, known for its two towns, Upper and Lower Beth-horon, which guarded the ascent from the coastal plain to the hill country. Gezer was an important Canaanite city-state that later became part of the Israelite kingdom under Solomon.

The geographical placement of the Japhletites' territory suggests that they were situated in a region of strategic importance, serving as a boundary marker for the tribe of Ephraim. This location would have placed them in the central part of the land of Canaan, an area characterized by its fertile land and significant trade routes.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The mention of the Japhletites, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the complex tribal and familial structures within ancient Israel. It highlights the detailed nature of the territorial divisions and the importance of lineage and inheritance in the biblical narrative. The Japhletites, as part of the tribe of Asher, would have shared in the blessings and responsibilities associated with their tribal identity.

From a theological perspective, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The inclusion of the Japhletites in this division underscores the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with His people, encompassing even the smaller clans and families within the nation of Israel.

Conclusion:

The Japhletites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, represent an integral part of the tribal landscape of ancient Israel. Their mention in the context of the land allotment to Ephraim provides insight into the territorial and familial dynamics of the time, reflecting the broader themes of inheritance and divine promise that permeate the biblical narrative.3311. Yaphleti -- descendant of Japhlet
... descendant of Japhlet. Transliteration: Yaphleti Phonetic Spelling: (yaf-lay-tee')
Short Definition: Japhletites. ... of Japhlet NASB Word Usage Japhletites (1). ...
/hebrew/3311.htm - 6kJaphletites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Japhletites (1 Occurrence). Joshua 16:3 and it
went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to ...
/j/japhletites.htm - 6k

Japhleti (1 Occurrence)
... jaf'-le-ti, jaf-le'-ti: the King James Version in Joshua 16:3, where Hebrew is
ha-yaphleTi, "the Japhletites," the Revised Version (British and American), a ...
/j/japhleti.htm - 7k

Japh'letites (1 Occurrence)
Japh'letites. Japhletites, Japh'letites. Japhlet's . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Japhletites, Japh'letites. Japhlet's . Reference Bible.
/j/japh'letites.htm - 6k

Westward (35 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Joshua 16:3 and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites,
to the border of Beth Horon the lower, even to Gezer; and ended at the sea. ...
/w/westward.htm - 19k

Ending (22 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 16:3 And it goes down to the west to the limit of the Japhletites,
to the limit of Beth-horon the lower, as far as Gezer; ending at the sea. ...
/e/ending.htm - 13k

Beth-hor'on (12 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:3 And it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, unto the
border of Beth-horon the nether, even unto Gezer; and the goings out thereof ...
/b/beth-hor'on.htm - 9k

Horon (13 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:3 and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border
of Beth Horon the lower, even to Gezer; and ended at the sea. ...
/h/horon.htm - 10k

Beth (115 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:3 and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border
of Beth Horon the lower, even to Gezer; and ended at the sea. ...
/b/beth.htm - 40k

Ends (108 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Joshua 16:3 and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites,
to the border of Beth Horon the lower, even to Gezer; and ended at the sea. ...
/e/ends.htm - 36k

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