Mearah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. The name "Mearah" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "cave" or "grotto," suggesting that the area may have been characterized by such geographical features. The reference to Mearah is found in the context of the territorial boundaries assigned to the tribes of Israel during the conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Reference:

The sole mention of Mearah is found in Joshua 13:4, which describes the land that remained to be conquered by the Israelites. The verse reads: "to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah that belongs to the Sidonians as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites" . In this passage, Mearah is identified as part of the territory associated with the Sidonians, a Phoenician people known for their maritime prowess and trade.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Mearah is believed to be located in the region of ancient Phoenicia, which corresponds to modern-day Lebanon. The Sidonians, mentioned in conjunction with Mearah, were one of the prominent city-states of Phoenicia, with Sidon being a major city. The reference to Mearah in the context of Sidonian territory suggests that it was situated near the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea, possibly serving as a landmark or a boundary marker.

The historical significance of Mearah lies in its association with the Sidonians, who were known for their influence in the ancient Near East. The Sidonians were skilled in shipbuilding, navigation, and trade, establishing colonies and trade routes across the Mediterranean. The mention of Mearah in the biblical text highlights the extent of the land that the Israelites were commanded to conquer, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine mandate to possess the land.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Mearah in the Book of Joshua underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed description of the territories, including Mearah, serves to affirm the historical reality of the conquest and the divine orchestration behind the allocation of the land to the tribes of Israel. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in delivering His promises to His people.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Mearah in the biblical narrative illustrates the challenges faced by the Israelites in fully possessing the land. The presence of established and powerful peoples like the Sidonians posed significant obstacles, requiring reliance on God's guidance and strength to achieve the conquest.

Archaeological Considerations:

While the exact location of Mearah remains uncertain, archaeological efforts in the region of ancient Phoenicia continue to provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative. Discoveries related to Sidonian settlements and their interactions with neighboring peoples contribute to a deeper understanding of the geopolitical landscape during the time of the Israelite conquest.

In summary, Mearah serves as a geographical and historical reference point within the biblical account of the conquest of Canaan, highlighting the interplay between divine promise and human endeavor in the unfolding of Israel's history.Mearah

den; cave; making empty

Mearah

(a cave), a place named in (Joshua 13:4) only. The word means in Hebrew a cave, and it is commonly assumed that the reference is to some remarkable cavern in the neighborhood of Zidon.

A cave, a place in the northern boundary of Palestine (Joshua 13:4). This may be the cave of Jezzin in Lebanon, 10 miles east of Sidon, on the Damascus road; or probably, as others think, Mogheirizeh, north-east of Sidon. MEARAH

me-a'-ra (me`arah; omitted in the Septuagint): A town or district mentioned only in Joshua 13:4, as belonging to the Zidonians. The name as it stands means "cave." If that is correct it may be represented by the modern village Mogheiriyeh, "little cave," not far from Sidon. Perhaps, however, we should find in the word the name of a Sidonian city, with the preposition min, that has suffered change in transcription. Septuagint reads "from Gaza"; but Gaza is obviously too far to the South.

4632. Mearah -- a cave region in Lebanon
... 4631, 4632. Mearah. 4633 . a cave region in Lebanon. Transliteration: Mearah
Phonetic Spelling: (meh-aw-raw') Short Definition: Mearah. ...
/hebrew/4632.htm - 6k

4631. mearah -- a cave
... 4630, 4631. mearah. 4632 . a cave. Transliteration: mearah Phonetic Spelling:
(meh-aw-raw') Short Definition: cave. ... see HEBREW uwr. 4630, 4631. mearah. 4632 ...
/hebrew/4631.htm - 6k

Mearah (1 Occurrence)
...MEARAH. me-a'-ra (me`arah; omitted in the Septuagint): A town or district mentioned
only in Joshua 13:4, as belonging to the Zidonians. ...Mearah (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/mearah.htm - 7k

Mear'ah (1 Occurrence)
Mear'ah. Mearah, Mear'ah. Measure . Multi-Version Concordance Mear'ah
(1 Occurrence). ... Mearah, Mear'ah. Measure . Reference Bible.
/m/mear'ah.htm - 6k

Meanwhile (38 Occurrences)

/m/meanwhile.htm - 17k

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongeth
to the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; (See JPS BBE). ...
/z/zidonians.htm - 10k

Belongeth (36 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongeth
to the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; (ASV DBY JPS). ...
/b/belongeth.htm - 17k

Arah (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs
to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; (Root in WEB KJV ...
/a/arah.htm - 7k

Aphek (9 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs
to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/a/aphek.htm - 11k

Sido'nians (11 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 From the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah, which 'is'
to the Sidonians, unto Aphek, unto the border of the Amorite; (See RSV). ...
/s/sido'nians.htm - 9k

Sidonians (16 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs
to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; (WEB KJV ASV DBY ...
/s/sidonians.htm - 12k

Boundary (83 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs
to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; (See RSV). ...
/b/boundary.htm - 30k

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