### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dăbrath**, represented by `{{H1705}}`, refers to a specific place in Palestine. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term, which is also rendered as **Dabareh**, is identified as a geographical location that serves as both a border landmark and a designated city.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1705}}` is first mentioned as a point on the border of the inheritance of a tribe in Palestine. The boundary description notes that the border "goeth out to Daberath" [[Joshua 19:12]]. Later, it is identified as a city within the tribe of Issachar that was given to the Levites. In these contexts, it is listed as "Daberath with her suburbs" [[1 Chronicles 6:72]] and, using an alternative spelling, "Dabareh with her suburbs" [[Joshua 21:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and context of Daberath:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, bound, coast): This word, used to describe the boundary on which Daberath is located [[Joshua 19:12]], signifies a divinely established limit or territory. God promises to enlarge Israel's **borders** [[Exodus 34:24]] and sets the sand as the **bound** for the sea [[Jeremiah 5:22]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go out, bring forth): This verb describes the action of the border as it "goeth out" to Daberath [[Joshua 19:12]]. It is used in a wide variety of contexts, from a prophet who "camest forth" from the womb [[Jeremiah 1:5]] to God's word that "goeth forth" from His mouth [[Isaiah 55:11]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This term is twice used in connection with Daberath, designating the open country and pasture lands provided to the Levites around the city ([[1 Chronicles 6:72]], [[Joshua 21:28]]). This was a specific provision commanded for the Levites in their cities [[Numbers 35:2]].
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend, go up): The border "goeth up" towards another location after passing Daberath [[Joshua 19:12]]. This word for ascending is also used to describe God bringing His people **up** out of Egypt [[Exodus 3:8]] and believers who will **mount up** with wings as eagles [[Isaiah 40:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1705}}` is tied to its role in the fulfillment of God's covenants with Israel.
* **Divine Inheritance:** As a landmark on a tribal **border** [[Joshua 19:12]], Daberath is part of the physical evidence of God's promise to divide the land among His people and to set their **bounds** [[Exodus 23:31]].
* **Provision for the Priesthood:** Daberath's designation as a Levitical city with its **suburbs** [[1 Chronicles 6:72]] highlights God's plan for the sustenance of the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for His service and given cities among the other tribes instead of a separate land inheritance [[Numbers 35:2]].
* **A Place of Promised Restoration:** The concept of a specific **border** `{{H1366}}` is connected to the Lord's promise of restoration, where He states that Israel's children shall "come again to their own border" [[Jeremiah 31:17]]. Locations like Daberath, therefore, represent the tangible homeland central to God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1705}}` is more than just a name on a map. It is a specific, physical location that represents the concrete nature of God's promises to Israel. As a border marker, it helps define the tribal inheritances, and as a Levitical city, it demonstrates God's faithful provision for those set apart for His service. Its presence in scripture anchors the national and spiritual life of Israel to a defined and promised land.
TRV