Taralah
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Biblical Reference:
Taralah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The reference can be found in Joshua 18:27: "Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah."

Geographical Context:
Taralah is one of the cities situated within the boundaries of the tribe of Benjamin. The exact location of Taralah is not definitively known today, as it is not identified with any modern site. However, it is understood to be part of the central hill country of ancient Israel, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic significance. The region allotted to Benjamin was bordered by the territories of Ephraim to the north and Judah to the south, placing Taralah within a significant and often contested area in biblical history.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The mention of Taralah in the Book of Joshua places it within the context of the Israelite settlement in Canaan following the Exodus and the conquest under Joshua's leadership. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including the tribe of Benjamin, was a fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each city and region, including Taralah, played a role in the establishment of the Israelite nation and its tribal divisions.

The tribe of Benjamin, to which Taralah belonged, holds a unique place in Israel's history. Benjamin was the smallest of the tribes (1 Samuel 9:21) but produced significant figures, including King Saul, Israel's first king, and the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. The territory of Benjamin, including cities like Taralah, was strategically located near Jerusalem, contributing to its historical and military importance.

Theological Implications:
The allocation of cities like Taralah to the tribe of Benjamin reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. The division of the land among the tribes was not merely a political or social arrangement but a divine act that underscored the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Each city and territory served as a tangible reminder of God's provision and the inheritance promised to the descendants of Abraham.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the land of Israel, including cities like Taralah, symbolizes the blessings and responsibilities of living under God's covenant. The Israelites were called to inhabit the land in obedience to God's laws, serving as a light to the nations and a testament to God's sovereignty and grace.

Archaeological Insights:
While Taralah itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeology, the study of the Benjaminite region has provided valuable insights into the settlement patterns, culture, and daily life of the ancient Israelites. Excavations in nearby areas have revealed artifacts and structures that shed light on the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, offering a glimpse into the historical context in which cities like Taralah existed.

Conclusion:
Taralah, though briefly mentioned in the biblical text, is part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history and heritage. Its inclusion in the list of Benjaminite cities highlights the detailed record of Israel's tribal divisions and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Taralah

searching out slander, or strength

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Taralah

(reeling), one of the towns in the allotment of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:27)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TARALAH

tar'-a-la (tar'alah; Codex Vaticanus Thareela; Codex Alexandrinus Tharala): A town in the territory of Benjamin named between Irpeel and Zelah (Joshua 18:27). Eusebius, Onomasticon (s.v. "Therama") simply says it was in the tribe of Benjamin. In the times of Eusebius and Jerome, therefore, the site was already lost, and has not since been covered.

Strong's Hebrew
8634. Taralah -- a city in Benjamin
... 8633, 8634. Taralah. 8635 . a city in Benjamin. Transliteration: Taralah
Phonetic Spelling: (tar-al-aw') Short Definition: Taralah. ...
/hebrew/8634.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Taralah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TARALAH. ...Taralah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:27
Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/t/taralah.htm - 7k

Tar'alah (1 Occurrence)
Tar'alah. Taralah, Tar'alah. Tare . Multi-Version Concordance Tar'alah (1
Occurrence). Joshua 18:27 and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah; (See RSV). ...
/t/tar'alah.htm - 6k

Rekem (6 Occurrences)
... (3) A city of Benjamin, mentioned with Irpeel and Taralah (Joshua 18:27); the site
is unknown. See also RAKEM. Horace J. Wolf. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/r/rekem.htm - 11k

Irpeel (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Irpeel (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:27 Rekem, Irpeel,
Taralah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/irpeel.htm - 6k

Tarah (2 Occurrences)

/t/tarah.htm - 7k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Taralah (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 18:27
Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Taralah

Taralah: A City in the Territory of the Tribe of Benjamin

Related Terms

Taralah (1 Occurrence)

Tare (4 Occurrences)

Tarah: A Camping Place of the Israelites
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