Daberath is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Promised Land. It is located on the boundary of the territory assigned to the tribe of Issachar and is noted for being given to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 19:12 · Daberath is first mentioned in the delineation of the borders of the tribe of Zebulun, which extends to Daberath. The verse states, "From Sarid it turned eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth-tabor, and went on to Daberath and up to Japhia."

2. Joshua 21:28 · In the allocation of cities to the Levites, Daberath is listed as one of the towns given to the descendants of Gershon, one of the Levitical families. The verse reads, "From the tribe of Issachar they gave Kishion, Daberath."

3. 1 Chronicles 6:72 · This passage reiterates the allocation of Daberath to the Levites, confirming its role as a Levitical city. It states, "From the tribe of Issachar they gave Kedesh, Daberath."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Daberath is situated near Mount Tabor, a significant landmark in the region. Its proximity to this mountain places it in a strategically important location, serving as a point of reference in the tribal boundaries. The town's assignment to the Levites underscores its importance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel, as the Levites were responsible for religious duties and the maintenance of the tabernacle and later the temple.

Levitical Significance:

The Levites, as the priestly class, were not given a contiguous territory like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were allocated specific cities and surrounding pasturelands throughout the tribes. This distribution allowed them to perform their religious duties and serve the spiritual needs of the entire nation. Daberath, as a Levitical city, would have been a center for worship and instruction in the Law, contributing to the spiritual life of the Israelites in the region.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence for Daberath is limited, its identification with the modern village of Daburiyya near Mount Tabor is widely accepted. This location aligns with the biblical descriptions and provides a tangible connection to the ancient town mentioned in the Scriptures.

Theological Implications:

The assignment of Daberath to the Levites reflects the broader biblical theme of God's provision for His people and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. By distributing the Levites among the tribes, God ensured that His laws and statutes would be taught and upheld throughout the land, fostering a unified spiritual identity among the Israelites.

In summary, Daberath serves as a testament to the careful organization of the Israelite society under divine guidance, highlighting the integration of worship and daily life in the covenant community.1 Chronicles 6:72
And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,
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