The Hebrew place name Gath-Rimmôwn, represented by H1667, means "wine-press of (the) pomegranate". It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. All references identify it as a specific location in Palestine, primarily in the context of tribal land distribution and cities designated for the Levites.
In the biblical narrative, H1667 is consistently listed as a city given to the Levites. It is first mentioned as part of the territory of Dan, alongside Jehud H3055 and Beneberak H1139 Joshua 19:45. It is then identified as one of the Levitical cities granted from the tribe of Dan, along with Aijalon H357 and its suburbs H4054 Joshua 21:24. A similar passage also lists Gathrimmon H1667 as a city with suburbs H4054 given out of the half H4276 tribe H4294 of Manasseh H4519 Joshua 21:25. The allocation is repeated in 1 Chronicles, where Gathrimmon H1667 is again paired with Aijalon H357 1 Chronicles 6:69.
Several related words and locations provide context for the role of Gath-Rimmôwn:
- H357 ʼAyâlôwn (deer-field; Ajalon): This city is listed alongside Gath-Rimmôwn as a Levitical city in both Joshua and Chronicles, indicating a close geographical or administrative connection Joshua 21:24.
- H8590 Taʻănâk (of uncertain derivation; Taanak or Tanak): This city is paired with Gath-Rimmôwn as one of the two cities given to the Levites from the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua 21:25.
- H4054 migrâsh (a suburb... open country): This term is crucial to understanding Gath-Rimmôwn's function. In three of its four appearances, it is described as having "suburbs," which were pasture lands designated for the flocks of the Levites Joshua 21:24.
- H4294 maṭṭeh (a branch... a tribe): This word establishes the context for Gath-Rimmôwn's allocation, identifying it as belonging to specific tribes like the tribe of Manasseh Joshua 21:25.
The significance of H1667 is primarily geographical and administrative within the structure of ancient Israel.
- Levitical City: Its primary role was to serve as one of the cities designated for the Levites to dwell in, complete with its surrounding pasture lands, or suburbs H4054. This is highlighted in the detailed allotments found in the book of Joshua (Joshua 21:24, Joshua 21:25).
- Dual Tribal Association: The biblical record uniquely associates Gath-Rimmôwn with two different tribes. It is listed as a city within Dan's inheritance Joshua 19:45 and as a Levitical city from Dan Joshua 21:24, but also as a Levitical city from the half-tribe of Manasseh H4519 Joshua 21:25.
- Geographical Marker: It serves as a fixed point in the geography of the Promised Land, often listed with other known cities like Aijalon H357 and Tanach H8590, helping to define tribal boundaries.
In summary, Gath-Rimmôwn H1667 is not a person or concept but a specific place whose name evokes imagery of agriculture ("wine-press of the pomegranate"). Its scriptural importance lies entirely in its role within the organization of Israelite territory. The biblical accounts consistently identify it as a Levitical city, a key piece in the system that provided for the priestly tribe, and note its distinct association with the land allotments of both Dan and Manasseh.
TRV