plural of גְּדֵרָה; walls; Gederoth, a place in Palestine; Gederoth.
Transliteration:Gᵉdêrôwth
Pronunciation:ghed-ay-rohth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גְּדֵרוֹת (Gᵉdêrôwth), Strong's number `{{H1450}}`, is a plural noun derived from the singular גְּדֵרָה (gederah). The root meaning of גְּדֵרָה is "wall" or "enclosure," often referring to a stone wall or fence, particularly for vineyards or fields. Thus, גְּדֵרוֹת literally signifies "walls" or "enclosures." As a proper noun, it designates a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine, specifically a city within the tribal territory of Judah. The name itself suggests a place characterized by significant fortifications or boundaries, perhaps indicating its strategic importance or its agricultural nature (walled fields).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of Gederoth (גְּדֵרוֹת, `{{H1450}}`) appears in two distinct biblical contexts:
1. **[[Joshua 15:41]]**: Gederoth is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah, the low foothills between the central highlands and the coastal plain. It is grouped with other towns such as Gederah, Beth-dagon, and Naamah. This placement indicates its location in a fertile and strategically important region, often contested due to its accessibility. The inclusion in the tribal inheritance list underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land.
2. **[[2 Chronicles 28:18]]**: During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, a period marked by significant apostasy and political instability, Gederoth is mentioned as one of the cities captured by the Philistines. The text states, "For the Philistines had made a raid on the cities of the Shephelah and the Negeb of Judah and had taken Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco with its villages, Timnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and they settled there." This account highlights the vulnerability of Judah when its kings turned away from the Lord. Even a city named "Walls" or "Enclosures" could not withstand the enemy without divine protection, illustrating the consequences of disobedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word גְּדֵרוֹת (Gᵉdêrôwth) is intimately connected to a family of Hebrew words centered on the concept of "walls" or "enclosures":
* **גְּדֵרָה (gederah)**: The singular form, meaning "wall," "fence," or "enclosure" (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:5]], where it refers to a vineyard wall). This term is closely related to `{{H1448}}`.
* **גָּדַר (gadar)**: The verb from which these nouns derive, meaning "to wall up," "to build a wall," or "to enclose" (e.g., [[Numbers 22:24]], where the angel of the Lord stands in a narrow path with a wall on either side). This is `{{H1443}}`.
* **Other Place Names**: The biblical text contains several other place names derived from this root, such as Gederah (`{{H1449}}`), Gedor (`{{H1447}}`), and Gederothaim (`{{H1451}}`). These names collectively point to a landscape characterized by fortifications, defensive structures, or enclosed agricultural lands, reflecting the practical needs and defensive strategies of ancient Israel.
* **Thematic Connections**: The concept of "walls" relates to themes of protection, security, boundaries, and separation. In a broader sense, it can also evoke the idea of human efforts at self-preservation in contrast to divine sovereignty and protection.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical marker, Gederoth holds theological significance primarily through its inclusion in God's ordered distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel. Its presence in the inheritance of Judah in [[Joshua 15:41]] underscores the meticulous fulfillment of divine promises to His people.
However, the mention of Gederoth in [[2 Chronicles 28:18]] carries a profound theological weight. The capture of this "walled" city by the Philistines during Ahaz's reign serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Despite its defensive name, Gederoth's fall illustrates that physical fortifications are ultimately futile when the divine hand of protection is withdrawn due to sin. This narrative highlights the theological principle that true security and prosperity for God's people depend not on their own strength or defenses, but on their obedience and reliance upon the Lord. It subtly reinforces the truth that God's covenant blessings (like secure land inheritance) are conditional upon faithfulness, and disobedience can lead to the erosion of even the most seemingly secure provisions.
### Summary
Gederoth (גְּדֵרוֹת, `{{H1450}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "walls" or "enclosures," serving as the name of a city in the Shephelah region of Judah. Its occurrences in [[Joshua 15:41]] and [[2 Chronicles 28:18]] provide both geographical context within Judah's tribal inheritance and historical insight into the vulnerabilities of the kingdom during periods of unfaithfulness. The name itself suggests a fortified settlement, yet its capture by the Philistines under King Ahaz powerfully illustrates the theological truth that human defenses are insufficient when divine favor is absent. The study of Gederoth, therefore, not only maps a point on the ancient landscape but also underscores the critical importance of covenant obedience for the security and well-being of God's people.
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