Bizjothjah: And Balah
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Bizjothjah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is referenced in Joshua 15:28 as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah." The name Bizjothjah is an alternate transliteration of Biziothiah, reflecting variations in ancient manuscripts and translations.

The exact location of Bizjothjah is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text. It is listed among other towns in the Negev region, a desert area in the southern part of ancient Israel. This region was significant for its strategic location and its role in the pastoral and agricultural life of the tribe of Judah.

The name Bizjothjah may carry a meaning related to its geographical or cultural context, though the etymology is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text. As with many ancient place names, interpretations can vary, and the name may have held significance for the original inhabitants or for the Israelites who settled there.

Balah

Balah is another location mentioned in the Old Testament, associated with the tribal territories of Israel. It appears in Joshua 19:3 as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem." Balah is listed among the towns allocated to Simeon, which were situated within the larger territory of Judah.

The town of Balah is also identified with Baalah in some biblical references, indicating a possible variation in the name or a connection between the two. In 1 Chronicles 4:29, the town is again mentioned in the context of the Simeonite settlements: "Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad."

The location of Balah, like many ancient sites, is not precisely known today. It was likely situated in the southern part of the land of Israel, consistent with the other towns listed alongside it. The region was characterized by its arid climate and was part of the broader Negev area.

Balah's inclusion in the tribal allotments underscores the complex and detailed nature of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. The town's mention in the genealogical and territorial records of 1 Chronicles highlights its continued recognition in the historical memory of the Israelite people.
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Joshua 19:3
And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,
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Bizjothjah: A Town in Judah
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