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.
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.
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.
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.
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