גְּדֵרוֹת

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.