Michmethah is a geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Michmethah is found in Joshua 16:6 and Joshua 17:7. In these passages, Michmethah is described as a landmark on the northern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh, both of which are descendants of Joseph. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following translation:

· Joshua 16:6 : "It went on to the sea, Michmethah on the north, and turned eastward to Taanath-shiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janoah."
· Joshua 17:7 : "The border of Manasseh went from Asher to Michmethah, which is east of Shechem. Then the border went southward to the inhabitants of En-tappuah."

Geographical Significance:

Michmethah is noted as being east of Shechem, a significant city in ancient Israelite history. The exact location of Michmethah is not definitively known today, but it is generally considered to be in the region of the central hill country of ancient Canaan, near the modern-day West Bank. Its mention in the delineation of tribal boundaries underscores its importance as a geographical marker during the period of settlement in the Promised Land.

Historical and Theological Context:

The delineation of tribal boundaries, including the mention of Michmethah, reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. The division of the land among the tribes was a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing the establishment of the Israelites as a nation under God's covenant.

Theologically, the precise recording of boundaries, such as those involving Michmethah, highlights the importance of order and inheritance in the biblical narrative. It underscores the belief in God's providence and faithfulness in granting the Israelites their inheritance, as well as the importance of maintaining distinct tribal identities within the unity of the nation of Israel.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While Michmethah itself has not been conclusively identified through archaeological findings, the broader region around Shechem has been extensively studied. Shechem was a major Canaanite and later Israelite city, and its proximity to Michmethah suggests that the area was of considerable importance during the time of the conquest and settlement.

In summary, Michmethah serves as a testament to the historical and theological significance of the land division among the tribes of Israel, reflecting the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israelite identity in the biblical narrative.Michmethah

the gift or death of a striker

Michmethah

(hiding-place), a place which formed one of the landmarks of the boundary of the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh on the western side of Jordan. (Joshua 17:7) The position of the place must be somewhere on the east of and not far distant from Shechem.

Hiding-place, a town in the northern border of Ephraim and Manasseh, and not far west of Jordan (Joshua 16:6; 17:7). MICHMETHAH

mik'-me-tha (ha-mikhmethah; Codex Vaticanus Hikasmon; Codex Alexandrinus Machthoth): A place named in defining the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:6; Joshua 17:7). It is said to lie "before," i.e. to the East of Shechem. In the name itself, the meaning of which is obscure, there is nothing to guide us. The presence of the article, however ("the Michmethah"), suggests that it may not be a proper name, but an appellative, applying to some feature of the landscape. Condor suggests the plain of Makhneh, which lies to the East of Nablus (Shechem), in which there may possibly be an echo of the ancient name.

Michmethah (2 Occurrences)
... 17:7). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MICHMETHAH. mik'-me ... ancient name.
Multi-Version Concordance Michmethah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 16 ...
/m/michmethah.htm - 8k

Michmethath (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MICHMETHAH. mik'-me-tha (ha-mikhmethah;
Codex Vaticanus Hikasmon; Codex Alexandrinus Machthoth): A ...
/m/michmethath.htm - 7k

Michmash (10 Occurrences)

/m/michmash.htm - 14k

Janohah (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side;
and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on ...
/j/janohah.htm - 7k

Taanathshiloh (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side;
and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on ...
/t/taanathshiloh.htm - 8k

Entappuah (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 17:7 And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before
Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants ...
/e/entappuah.htm - 7k

Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... Joshua 17:7 And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before
Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants ...
/l/lieth.htm - 36k

Coast (70 Occurrences)
... Joshua 17:7 And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before
Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants ...
/c/coast.htm - 31k

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