Biblical Reference:
Ziddim-zer is mentioned in the context of the territorial allotments for the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. Specifically, it is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The reference to Ziddim-zer is located in Joshua 19:35, where it is listed among the fortified cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali.

Scriptural Citation:
Joshua 19:35 : "The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth..."

Geographical Context:
Ziddim-zer is part of the region given to the tribe of Naphtali, which is situated in the northern part of the land of Canaan. This area is characterized by its strategic location and fertile land, making it significant for both agricultural and military purposes. The mention of fortified cities indicates the importance of defense and security in this region, as these cities would have served as protection against potential invasions and as centers of administration and trade.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The cities of Ziddim and Zer, while not extensively detailed in biblical narratives, are part of the broader historical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel. The fortification of cities like Ziddim-zer reflects the common practice in the ancient Near East of establishing strongholds to safeguard inhabitants and resources. These cities would have been integral to the tribe of Naphtali's ability to maintain its territorial integrity and to thrive within the Promised Land.

Theological Implications:
The allocation of cities such as Ziddim-zer to the tribe of Naphtali underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant with Israel. Each city and region, including Ziddim-zer, represents a tangible manifestation of divine provision and blessing.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence for Ziddim-zer may be limited, the general area of Naphtali has yielded findings that illuminate the historical context of the biblical narrative. Excavations in the region have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide insight into the daily life, trade, and defense mechanisms of the ancient inhabitants. These discoveries contribute to a deeper understanding of the biblical text and the historical reality of the Israelite settlement in Canaan.

Conclusion:
Ziddim-zer, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, is part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan for His people. Its inclusion in the list of fortified cities highlights the strategic and providential aspects of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel.

Tiberias.
... when it is written, 'And the fenced cities were Ziddim, Zer, Chammath, Rakkath,
and Chinnereth.' But it is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 72 tiberias.htm

Ziddim-zer (1 Occurrence)
Ziddim-zer. Ziddim, Ziddim-zer. Zideon . Multi-Version Concordance
Ziddim-zer (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:35 And the fortified ...
/z/ziddim-zer.htm - 6k

Ziddim (1 Occurrence)
... Ziddim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath,
Rakkath, Chinnereth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/ziddim.htm - 7k

Zer (1 Occurrence)
... Zer (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath,
Rakkath, Chinnereth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zer.htm - 7k

Zideon (1 Occurrence)

/z/zideon.htm - 6k

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)
... Jordan eastward. (See NIV). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim,
Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, (See NIV). 1 Kings 15 ...
/k/kinnereth.htm - 8k

Walled (63 Occurrences)
... Heleb and Achzib; (BBE). Joshua 19:35 And the walled towns are Ziddim, Zer,
and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth (BBE). 1 Samuel 6:18 ...
/w/walled.htm - 25k

Fenced (61 Occurrences)
... coast to Achzib, (YLT). Joshua 19:35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer,
and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, (KJV). 1 Samuel 6:18 ...
/f/fenced.htm - 27k

Rakkath (1 Occurrence)
... Rakkath (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath,
Rakkath, Chinnereth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/rakkath.htm - 7k

Chin'nereth (4 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Joshua 19:35 And the fortified cities were Ziddim-zer, and Hammath, and
Rakkath, and Chinnereth; (See RSV). Chinnereth, Chin'nereth. Chinneroth ...
/c/chin'nereth.htm - 7k

Chinnereth (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim,
Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/c/chinnereth.htm - 9k

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