Misrephothmaim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The name "Misrephothmaim" is often translated to mean "burning of waters" or "lime-kilns by the waters," suggesting a place associated with water and possibly industrial activity such as lime production.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 11:8 : "And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who defeated them and pursued them as far as Greater Sidon, Misrephoth-maim, and the Valley of Mizpah to the east. They struck them down, leaving no survivors."

In this passage, Misrephothmaim is mentioned as one of the locations to which the Israelites pursued the coalition of Canaanite kings led by Jabin, king of Hazor. The context indicates that Misrephothmaim was part of the northern campaign of Joshua, where the Israelites achieved a decisive victory over their enemies. The pursuit extended to Greater Sidon and the Valley of Mizpah, suggesting that Misrephothmaim was situated in the northern region of Canaan, possibly near the Mediterranean coast.

Geographical and Historical Context:

The exact location of Misrephothmaim is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to be in the vicinity of the Phoenician cities, possibly near the coast of modern-day Lebanon. The mention of Greater Sidon in the same verse provides a clue that Misrephothmaim was in the northern part of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel, near the territories that were not fully conquered during the initial campaigns.

The name itself, "burning of waters," has led some scholars to speculate that it may have been a site of industrial activity, such as lime production, which would have required both water and fire. This interpretation aligns with the idea of lime-kilns, which were used in ancient times for producing lime by burning limestone.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Misrephothmaim in the narrative of Joshua underscores the comprehensive nature of the Israelite conquest as ordained by God. The pursuit to Misrephothmaim and beyond illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also highlights the obedience and military prowess of Joshua and the Israelites as they carried out God's commands to subdue the land.

The account of Misrephothmaim serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering His people and fulfilling His promises. It also reflects the broader theme of divine judgment against the Canaanite nations, who were dispossessed due to their idolatry and wickedness, as described in the biblical narrative.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Misrephothmaim, the broader region of ancient Canaan and Phoenicia has yielded significant findings that provide context to the biblical account. The presence of ancient industrial sites, such as kilns and workshops, in the region supports the interpretation of Misrephothmaim as a place of production and trade.

In summary, Misrephothmaim is a site of historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative of the conquest of Canaan. Its mention in the book of Joshua highlights the extent of Israel's military campaigns and serves as a testament to God's providential guidance and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.Misrephothmaim

(the flew of waters), a place in northern Palestine. Dr. Thomson treats Misrephoth-maim as identical with a collection of springs called Ain-Musheirifeh , on the seashore close under the Ras en-Nakhura ; but this has the disadvantage of being very far from Sidon. May it not rather be the place with which we are familiar in the later history as Zarephat, near Sidon?

Burning of waters, supposed to be salt-pans, or lime-kilns, or glass-factories, a place to which Joshua pursued a party of Canaanites after the defeat of Jabin (Joshua 11:8). It is identified with the ruin Musheirifeh, at the promontory of en-Nakhurah, some 11 miles north of Acre. MISREPHOTH-MAIM

miz-re-foth-ma'-im (misrephoth mayim; Septuagint Maseron, Masereth Memphomaim): A place to which Joshua chased the various tribes, which were confederated under Jabin, after their defeat at the waters of Merom (Joshua 11:8). It follows the mention of great Sidon, as though it was a place in the same region but farther from the point of departure. In Joshua 13:6, it is also mentioned in connection with the Sidonians, as though it was included in their territory, so it must have been in the coast district, or Phoenicia, which was in that period dominated by Sidon. The Canaanites who were among the tribes forming the hosts of Jabin would naturally seek refuge among their brethren in Sidon and its territory. They fled across the hill country which lies between the waters of Merom and the coast, but as Sidon is situated considerably to the North of Merom, some would seek the coast by a more southerly route, and we may look for Misrephoth-maim there. Dr. Thomson (LB, II, 266-67, edition 1882) locates it at Ras el-Musheirifeh, some 13 miles South of Tyre, where there was a stronghold, and where the fugitives might find refuge (see LADDER OF TYRE). Though the name hardly suggests Misrephoth-maim, the identification may be accepted until some better one is found.

H. Porter

Misrephothmaim (2 Occurrences)
... is found. H. Porter. Multi-Version Concordance Misrephothmaim (2 Occurrences).
Joshua 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand ...
/m/misrephothmaim.htm - 9k

Misrephoth-maim (2 Occurrences)
Misrephoth-maim. Misrephothmaim, Misrephoth-maim. Mis'rephoth-ma'im . ... (See JPS
ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Misrephothmaim, Misrephoth-maim. Mis'rephoth-ma' ...
/m/misrephoth-maim.htm - 9k

Zidon (25 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them,
and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley ...
/z/zidon.htm - 17k

Misrephoth (2 Occurrences)

/m/misrephoth.htm - 7k

Divide (71 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim,
and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of ...
/d/divide.htm - 31k

Smote (281 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them,
and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley ...
/s/smote.htm - 39k

Lot (145 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim,
and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of ...
/l/lot.htm - 60k

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