Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Tappuah" is derived from the Hebrew word "תַּפּוּחַ" (Tappuach), which means "apple" or "fruit." This name is indicative of the region's fertility and abundance, often associated with fruitfulness in biblical literature. Biblical References: Tappuah is mentioned in several contexts within the Old Testament, primarily as a geographical location. It is important to distinguish between the different references to Tappuah, as they pertain to distinct areas or cities. 1. Tappuah in the Territory of Judah: In Joshua 15:34, Tappuah is listed among the cities in the lowland region of Judah. This area was known for its agricultural productivity, aligning with the meaning of the name. The verse states: "Zanoah, En-gannim, Tappuah, Enam." 2. Tappuah in the Territory of Ephraim: Another Tappuah is mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in Joshua 16:8. This Tappuah is located on the border of Ephraim and Manasseh. The passage reads: "From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook Kanah and ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim, according to their clans." 3. En-tappuah: In Joshua 17:7, En-tappuah is mentioned as a landmark on the boundary of the tribe of Manasseh. The verse states: "The border of Manasseh went from Asher to Michmethath, which is east of Shechem. Then the border went southward to the inhabitants of En-tappuah." Historical and Geographical Context: The exact locations of the Tappuah mentioned in the Bible are not definitively known today, but they are believed to have been situated in the central hill country of ancient Israel. The Tappuah in Judah would have been in the Shephelah, a region of rolling hills between the coastal plain and the Judean mountains. The Tappuah associated with Ephraim and Manasseh would have been in the central part of the land, near the modern-day West Bank. Theological Significance: Tappuah, like many biblical place names, serves as a testament to the historical and cultural setting of the biblical narrative. The references to Tappuah highlight the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of land was a significant aspect of Israel's identity and relationship with God, as it represented both divine provision and the responsibility of the Israelites to maintain faithfulness to the covenant. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Tappuah has not been conclusively found, the general regions associated with these biblical references have been subject to archaeological study. Excavations in the Shephelah and the central hill country have uncovered settlements and artifacts from the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy, providing context for the biblical narrative. Conclusion: Tappuah, as a biblical location, underscores the themes of divine promise, land inheritance, and the agricultural richness of the Promised Land. Its mention in the tribal allotments of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh reflects the complex and divinely orchestrated distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. Concordance Tap'puah (5 Occurrences)Joshua 12:17 Joshua 15:34 Joshua 16:8 Joshua 17:8 1 Chronicles 2:43 Thesaurus Tap'puah (5 Occurrences)Tap'puah. Tappuah, Tap'puah. Tar . Multi-Version Concordance Tap'puah (5 Occurrences). Joshua 12:17 the king of Tappuah, one; the ... /t/tap'puah.htm - 7k En-tap'puah (1 Occurrence) Beth-tap'puah (1 Occurrence) Tappuah (8 Occurrences) En-tappuah (1 Occurrence) Beth-tappuah (1 Occurrence) Tar (3 Occurrences) Beth-togarmah (2 Occurrences) Enter (372 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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