Topical Bible: Hepher: A City West of the Jordan River

◄ Hepher: A City West of the Jordan River ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Hepher is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, situated west of the Jordan River. It is referenced in the context of the territorial allotments during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The city is part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 12:17 : Hepher is listed among the cities whose kings were defeated by Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. The verse states, "the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one."

2. Joshua 17:2-3 : Hepher is mentioned in the context of the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh. The passage details the division of land among the descendants of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. It notes, "So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans."

3. 1 Kings 4:10 : Hepher is also noted in the administrative divisions during the reign of King Solomon. The verse mentions, "Ben-Hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher were his)."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Hepher's exact location is not definitively known today, but it is understood to have been situated in the region allocated to the tribe of Manasseh, west of the Jordan River. This area was part of the central hill country of ancient Israel, a region characterized by its fertile land and strategic importance.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The mention of Hepher in the context of the conquest and settlement of Canaan highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including the city of Hepher, signifies the establishment of Israel in the land promised to them by God.

Hepher's inclusion in the list of defeated kings underscores the comprehensive nature of Joshua's military campaigns and the divine assistance provided to the Israelites in securing their inheritance. The city's mention during Solomon's reign indicates its continued significance in the administrative and economic structure of the united monarchy.

Related Figures:

· Zelophehad's Daughters: Hepher is indirectly associated with the account of Zelophehad's daughters, as Zelophehad was a descendant of Hepher. This narrative, found in Numbers 27 and Joshua 17, addresses the inheritance rights of daughters in the absence of sons, highlighting the importance of maintaining family inheritance within the tribe.

Conclusion:

Hepher serves as a testament to the historical and theological narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. Its mention in various biblical contexts reflects its role in the unfolding account of God's covenant with His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 12:17
The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 4:10
The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the throne in the last-named city under the ... completely independent, and the territory
beyond Jordan still remained ... son of Amittai, of Gath-Hepher, who actually ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm