### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gᵉdêrôwth**, represented by `{{H1450}}`, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. Derived from the plural of a word meaning "walls," it appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. It consistently refers to a specific town located within the territory of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1450}}` is first mentioned as one of sixteen **cities** `{{H5892}}` with their **villages** `{{H2691}}` allotted to the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:41]]. Later, the account in 2 Chronicles records that the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` had **invaded** `{{H6584}}` the **cities** `{{H5892}}` of the **low country** `{{H8219}}` and the **south** `{{H5045}}` of Judah, and had **taken** `{{H3920}}` **Gederoth** among others [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]. This places the city in a historically contested region.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of Gederoth:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word denotes "a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense." It is used to classify **Gederoth** in both of its appearances ([[Joshua 15:41]], [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]).
* `{{H8219}}` **shᵉphêlâh** (low country): This term refers to the "Lowland, i.e. (with the article) the maritime slope of Palestine." It specifies the geographical region where **Gederoth** was located and subsequently invaded [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to capture or occupy): This verb, meaning to catch or take, describes the fate of **Gederoth** when it fell into the hands of the Philistines [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): This term identifies the "inhabitant of Pelesheth" who were responsible for the invasion and capture of **Gederoth** and other cities in Judah [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1450}}` is primarily geographical and historical.
* **Territorial Allotment:** The inclusion of **Gederoth** in the list of Judah's cities establishes its identity as part of the tribe's designated inheritance within the Promised Land [[Joshua 15:41]].
* **Strategic Vulnerability:** Located in the **low country** `{{H8219}}`, a region bordering Philistine territory, **Gederoth** was part of a frontline that was subject to enemy invasion and capture.
* **Historical Conflict:** The record of it being **taken** `{{H3920}}` by the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` provides a specific example of the ongoing struggles Israel faced in possessing and holding their land [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1450}}` **Gᵉdêrôwth** is the name of a specific city whose importance is tied to its location and role in Israel's history. The biblical accounts place it as a city of Judah in the **shᵉphêlâh** `{{H8219}}`, first allotted to the tribe and later captured by the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}`. Its story illustrates the tangible, real-world struggles over land and sovereignty in the biblical narrative.
TRV