Ataroth is a biblical city mentioned in the Old Testament, located east of the Jordan River. It is primarily associated with the tribes of Gad and Reuben, who settled in the region after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. The name "Ataroth" means "crowns" or "wreaths," which may reflect the city's significance or its geographical features.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 32:3-4 : The first mention of Ataroth occurs when the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who had large herds and flocks, requested to settle in the land suitable for livestock. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, saying, "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, the land that the LORD subdued before the congregation of Israel, is good for livestock, and your servants have livestock."

2. Numbers 32:34 : The passage further details the construction and fortification of cities by the tribe of Gad, including Ataroth: "And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer."

3. Joshua 13:24-25 : In the division of the land among the tribes, Ataroth is again mentioned as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Gad: "This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad: the territory of Jazer, all the towns of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites, as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; that is, from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the territory of Debir."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ataroth was situated in the region of Gilead, a fertile area known for its pastures and strategic location. The city was part of the territory that the Israelites conquered from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. The land east of the Jordan was particularly appealing to the tribes of Reuben and Gad due to its suitability for their livestock.

The city of Ataroth, along with others in the region, was fortified by the Gadites to protect their settlements and ensure the security of their families and possessions. This fortification was part of a broader effort by the tribes to establish a stable and defensible presence in the land they had chosen.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

Ataroth's mention in the context of the settlement of the tribes of Reuben and Gad highlights the importance of land and inheritance in the biblical narrative. The request by these tribes to settle east of the Jordan reflects their desire to secure a prosperous future for their descendants, while also fulfilling God's promise of land to the Israelites.

Theologically, the account of Ataroth and the surrounding cities underscores themes of divine provision and the fulfillment of God's promises. The land east of the Jordan, though outside the traditional boundaries of Canaan, was still part of the inheritance God had ordained for His people. The successful settlement and fortification of Ataroth by the Gadites demonstrate God's faithfulness in granting His people a place to thrive and grow.

In summary, Ataroth serves as a testament to the faith and initiative of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, as well as a reminder of God's enduring covenant with the people of Israel.Numbers 32:3,34
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
Nave's Topical Index

Appendices
... (the town) of Ataroth; but I ... I will not dwell in your city, I will not lay my head
[in] the ... issue out of it, the south wind, the north wind, the east wind (and ...
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