Narath is a location mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Ephraim in the Old Testament. It appears in the context of the territorial allotments given to the tribes of Israel as they settled in the Promised Land. The name Narath is found in the book of Joshua, which details the division of the land among the twelve tribes.

Biblical Reference:

· Joshua 16:7 : "Then it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho, and came out at the Jordan."

In this passage, Narath (referred to as Naarah in some translations) is listed as part of the boundary description for the tribe of Ephraim. The verse outlines the southern border of Ephraim's territory, which extends from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, then touches Jericho before reaching the Jordan River. This geographical description situates Narath within the central region of ancient Israel, near significant locations such as Jericho and the Jordan River.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Narath's precise location is not definitively known today, but it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of the modern-day West Bank, within the central highlands of Israel. The area allocated to the tribe of Ephraim was known for its fertile land and strategic importance, lying between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

The mention of Narath in the context of Ephraim's borders highlights the importance of clearly defined tribal territories in ancient Israel. These boundaries were crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that each tribe had access to resources and land for agriculture and settlement.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Ephraim, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim, held a prominent position among the tribes of Israel. Ephraim was often associated with leadership and strength, and its territory included significant cities such as Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located for a time. The inclusion of Narath in the boundary description underscores the detailed nature of the land allotments and the importance of each location within the tribal inheritance.

Cultural and Theological Insights:

The delineation of tribal boundaries, including the mention of places like Narath, reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. The division of the land among the tribes was a tangible expression of God's covenant with Israel, providing them with a homeland where they could live according to His laws and worship Him.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the allocation of land and the establishment of tribal territories serve as a backdrop for the unfolding account of Israel's relationship with God. The land was not only a physical inheritance but also a spiritual one, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the people's responsibility to uphold His commandments.

Conclusion:

While Narath itself is not a major biblical site, its mention in the context of Ephraim's borders contributes to our understanding of the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel. The careful recording of such locations in Scripture underscores the significance of the land in God's redemptive plan for His people.NAARAN; NARATH

na'-a-ran, na'-a-rath (na`aran, na`arath). see NAARAH.

Narath
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NAARAN; NARATH. na'-a-ran,
na'-a-rath (na`aran, na`arath). see NAARAH. ...
/n/narath.htm - 6k

Narcissus (2 Occurrences)

/n/narcissus.htm - 9k

Naaran (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAARAN; NARATH. na'-a-ran, na'-a-rath (na`aran,
na`arath). see NAARAH. Multi-Version Concordance Naaran (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/naaran.htm - 7k

Napthali (1 Occurrence)

/n/napthali.htm - 6k

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