Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Land of the Hebrews" is one of the designations for the region known as the Holy Land, a significant area in biblical history and theology. This land is central to the narratives of the Old and New Testaments and holds profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Biblical References:The phrase "Land of the Hebrews" is explicitly mentioned in the context of the account of Joseph. In
Genesis 40:15, Joseph, while in Egypt, refers to his homeland as the "land of the Hebrews": "For I was indeed kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon" . This reference highlights the identity of the land as belonging to the descendants of Eber, an ancestor of Abraham, and thus, the Hebrews.
Historical Context:The designation "Land of the Hebrews" underscores the ethnic and cultural identity of the region's inhabitants during the patriarchal period. The Hebrews, descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, were the primary inhabitants of this land, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. This promise is foundational to the biblical narrative, as seen in
Genesis 12:7: "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him" .
Geographical Significance:Geographically, the Land of the Hebrews corresponds to the area known today as Israel and Palestine, extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. It includes significant biblical sites such as Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethel, and Shechem. The land's boundaries are described in various passages, including
Genesis 15:18-21, where God makes a covenant with Abram, defining the extent of the land promised to his descendants.
Theological Importance:Theologically, the Land of the Hebrews is central to God's covenantal relationship with His people. It is the land where the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—lived and where God's promises began to unfold. The land serves as a tangible symbol of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It is also the setting for many key events in the history of Israel, including the Exodus, the conquest under Joshua, and the establishment of the kingdom under David and Solomon.
Cultural and Religious Identity:The identity of the land as the "Land of the Hebrews" emphasizes the cultural and religious heritage of the Jewish people. It is a land set apart for the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and is intrinsically linked to the identity and destiny of the Hebrew people. This connection is evident throughout the biblical narrative, as the land is both a gift and a responsibility, requiring the Hebrews to live according to God's laws and commandments.
In summary, the "Land of the Hebrews" is a term rich with historical, geographical, and theological significance. It is a land promised by God, inhabited by the patriarchs, and central to the unfolding of biblical history.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 40:15For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Mystery of the Tabernacles.
... the millennium of rest, which is called the seventh ... the Feast of Tabernacles, came
into the land of promise ... and thanksgiving, among such as keep holy day." [2779 ...
/.../chapter v the mystery of the.htm
Moses
... Paul, 'he refused to be called the son of ... second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews
strove together ... Midian'"the wild desert between Egypt and the Holy Land. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ix moses.htm
The Child Jesus Brought from Egypt to Nazareth.
... he was "made like unto his brethren" (Hebrews 2:17 ... It is the northern of the three
divisions of the Holy Land. ... he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; ^c ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xv the child jesus brought.htm
Hebrews xi. 13-16
... and formed them: but [God] of those holy men, not ... Now that they called themselves
"strangers" in this sense ... strangers" on account of the strange land, why did ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiv hebrews xi 13-16.htm
The Rod that Troubled Egypt.
... to the seventh day of the month, a holy feast to ... And this is why it was called the
feast of the ... doors were shut, the Lord passed through the land, and wherever ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xi the rod that.htm
If, Then, the Whole Earth Has Been Cursed in the Deeds of Adam and ...
... be settled in the place which is called the habitation ... the words, "His dwelling is
in the holy place;" [4742 ... way; and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land.". ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxix if then the.htm
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
... of God," but here we find it called "the kingdom of ... the author of the Epistle to
the Hebrews, who wrote ... even although the invasion of the holy land by Gentiles ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter iii the gospel according.htm
Christian Doctrine of God and his Law.
... were the righteous seed of godly and holy men"Abraham ... of Egypt, leading them through
what is called the desert ... whom He also settled again in the land of Canaan ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter ix christian doctrine of god.htm
Conclusion.
... its subjects are forming factions and so-called denominations, and ... re-unite the divided
branches of Christ's Holy Church, or ... God's people in our own land, is a ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter xi conclusion.htm
What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ...
... their entire families may eat them in the holy city; but ... also when the tribes should
come into their own land. ... day of that lunar month which is called by the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 what happened to.htm
Resources
What are some of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWill the Holy Spirit ever leave a believer? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I live a holy life? | GotQuestions.orgHoly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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