Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Taanath" is believed to derive from a root meaning "approach" or "entrance," suggesting a place of access or a gateway. This etymology is consistent with its geographical significance as a location on the eastern border of the tribe of Ephraim.

Biblical References:
Taanath is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is referenced in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua 16:6-7 states: "Then it went out westward to Michmethath on the north, curved eastward to Taanath-shiloh, and passed by it to Janoah. From Janoah it descended to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho, and came out at the Jordan."

Geographical Location:
Taanath is identified as Taanath-shiloh in the biblical text, indicating its proximity to Shiloh, a significant religious center during the period of the Judges. The precise location of Taanath is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the central hill country of ancient Israel, within the boundaries of the tribe of Ephraim. Some scholars suggest it may be near the modern site of Khirbet Ta‘na, though this identification remains speculative.

Historical and Cultural Context:
As part of the tribal allotment of Ephraim, Taanath would have been a part of the heartland of Israel during the settlement period. The region was known for its fertile land and strategic location, which made it a valuable asset for the tribe. The mention of Taanath in the delineation of borders underscores its importance in defining the territorial extent of Ephraim.

Theological Significance:
The delineation of tribal boundaries, including the mention of Taanath, reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation. Taanath, as part of Ephraim's inheritance, symbolizes the broader theme of divine provision and the establishment of a covenant community in the Promised Land.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Taanath, the broader region of Ephraim has yielded significant findings that illuminate the period of Israelite settlement. Excavations in nearby areas have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide insight into the daily life, religious practices, and socio-political organization of the Israelites during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy.

Conclusion:
Taanath, though briefly mentioned in the biblical text, plays a role in the larger narrative of Israel's settlement in Canaan. Its inclusion in the description of Ephraim's borders highlights the importance of land and territory in the identity and history of the Israelite tribes.8387. Taanath Shiloh -- perhaps "approach to Shiloh," a city of ...
Taanath Shiloh. 8386, 8387. Taanath Shiloh. 8388 . perhaps "approach to
Shiloh," a city of Ephraim. Transliteration: Taanath Shiloh ...
/hebrew/8387.htm - 6k

8388. ta'ar -- probably to incline
ta'ar. 8387, 8388. ta'ar. 8388a . probably to incline. Transliteration:
ta'ar Phonetic Spelling: (taw-ar') Short Definition: Taanath-shiloh. Taanath-shiloh ...
/hebrew/8388.htm - 5k

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... that this place was different from Shiloh, can find no support from the authority
of Eusebius; it is not said Taanah by Shiloh, but Taanath-Shiloh.) After that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Taanath (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Taanath (1 Occurrence). ... The border turned about eastward
to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah. ...
/t/taanath.htm - 6k

Taanath-shiloh (1 Occurrence)
Taanath-shiloh. Taanathshiloh, Taanath-shiloh. Ta'anath-shi'loh . Easton's
Bible Dictionary ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TAANATH-SHILOH. ...
/t/taanath-shiloh.htm - 8k

Taanathshiloh (1 Occurrence)
... on the ridge east of the Mukhnah plain. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
TAANATH-SHILOH. ta'-a-nath-shi'-lo (ta'-anath shiloh; Codex ...
/t/taanathshiloh.htm - 8k

Ta'anath-shi'loh (1 Occurrence)
Ta'anath-shi'loh. Taanath-shiloh, Ta'anath-shi'loh. Taarea . ... The border turned
about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah. ...
/t/ta'anath-shi'loh.htm - 6k

Janoah (3 Occurrences)
... north. The border turned about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along
it on the east of Janoah. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/j/janoah.htm - 8k

Jan-o'ah (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 And the border went out westward, Mich-methath being on the north; and
the border turned about eastward unto Taanath-shiloh, and passed along it on ...
/j/jan-o'ah.htm - 7k

Westward (35 Occurrences)
... north. The border turned about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along
it on the east of Janoah. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS). Joshua ...
/w/westward.htm - 19k

Westwards (6 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 and the border went forth westwards to Micmethath on the north; and
the border turned eastwards to Taanath-Shiloh, and passed by it eastwards to ...
/w/westwards.htm - 8k

Ta'a-nach (1 Occurrence)
Ta'a-nach. Ta'anach, Ta'a-nach. Taanath . Multi-Version Concordance Ta'a-nach
(1 Occurrence). ... (DBY RSV). Ta'anach, Ta'a-nach. Taanath . Reference Bible
/t/ta'a-nach.htm - 6k

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