from דָּבָר (perhaps in the sense of דֹּבֶר); Daberath, a place in Palestine; Dabareh, Daberath.
Transliteration:Dăbrath
Pronunciation:daw-ber-ath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דֲּבְרַת (Dăbrath, `{{H1705}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates it is derived from דָּבָר (davar, `{{H1697}}`), which primarily means "word," "speech," "matter," or "thing." The Strong's entry also suggests a possible connection to דֹּבֶר (dober, `{{H1704}}`), which can denote "pasture" or "fold," as well as "speech." Therefore, while Daberath is definitively a place, its etymological roots might subtly suggest a location associated with discourse, divine utterance, or perhaps a fertile area for pasturage. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to its identity as a specific town in ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Daberath appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, consistently identified as a specific locality:
1. **[[Joshua 19:12]]**: In the description of the tribal allotments, Daberath is mentioned as a boundary marker for the tribe of Issachar. The text states, "And the border turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise unto the border of Chisloth-tabor, and then went out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia." This places Daberath geographically near Mount Tabor, on the eastern edge of Issachar's territory, indicating its significance as a recognizable landmark during the allocation of the promised land.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 6:72]]**: Daberath is listed among the cities given to the Levites, specifically to the Gershonite clan, from the territory of the tribe of Issachar. The verse reads, "And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs." This designation as a Levitical city underscores its importance not merely as a geographical point but as a center for religious and administrative life, where Levites would reside and fulfill their duties among the tribes.
In both contexts, Daberath functions as a concrete geographical identifier, first in the division of the land and then in the establishment of the Levitical infrastructure within that land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which Daberath is derived: דָּבָר (davar, `{{H1697}}`). This foundational Hebrew word is immensely significant, encompassing concepts of divine speech, human communication, events, and matters of importance. Its presence in the etymology of a place name might suggest a location known for pronouncements, perhaps prophetic or legal, or simply a place where "the word" was central. Another suggested related term is דֹּבֶר (dober, `{{H1704}}`), which can refer to a "pasture" or "fold," evoking imagery of sustenance and care, potentially hinting at a fertile region.
Conceptually, Daberath is tied to the broader biblical themes of:
* **Tribal Allotments**: The meticulous division of the land among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's covenant promises.
* **Levitical Cities**: The divine provision for the Levites, who were not given an exclusive tribal territory but rather cities scattered throughout the land, enabling them to serve as religious instructors and judicial figures among all the tribes.
* **Geographical Specificity**: The precise detail in the biblical narratives regarding locations, underscoring the historicity and reality of God's actions in a specific land and among a specific people.
### Theological Significance
While Daberath itself is a localized place name, its theological significance is embedded within the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan for Israel.
1. **Fulfillment of Covenant**: Its inclusion in the tribal allotments in [[Joshua 19:12]] testifies to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. Each city and boundary marker, including Daberath, is a tangible witness to this divine faithfulness.
2. **Divine Order and Provision**: As a Levitical city ([[1 Chronicles 6:72]]), Daberath played a role in the divinely ordained structure of Israelite society. The Levites, responsible for teaching the Law, maintaining the Tabernacle/Temple, and administering justice, were strategically placed throughout the land. This ensured that the knowledge of God and His commandments was accessible to all tribes, reflecting God's desire for His people to live according to His word and to be spiritually "pastured."
3. **Presence of God's Word**: If the etymological link to דָּבָר (davar, "word") is considered, the name Daberath could subtly hint at a place where God's word was proclaimed, taught, or where divine matters were discussed, especially given its Levitical designation. This would underscore the centrality of God's word in the life of His people, even down to the names of their settlements.
### Summary
Daberath (דֲּבְרַת, `{{H1705}}`) is a specific geographical location in ancient Israel, identified as a city within the territory of the tribe of Issachar. It served as a boundary marker during the land's division and, significantly, was designated as one of the Levitical cities given to the Gershonites. Its name, potentially derived from the Hebrew word for "word" (דָּבָר, `{{H1697}}`) or "pasture" (דֹּבֶר, `{{H1704}}`), hints at a place of divine communication or sustenance. Theologically, Daberath stands as a testament to God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land, His meticulous ordering of Israelite society through the Levitical system, and His provision for the spiritual nourishment of His people through the presence of His Law and His ministers throughout the land.
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