the same as דַּבֶּשֶׁת; Dabbesheth, a place in Palestine; Dabbesheth.
Transliteration:Dabbesheth
Pronunciation:dab-beh'-sheth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דַּבֶּשֶׁת (Dabbesheth, `{{H1708}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its base definition indicates it is "a place in Palestine." While the precise etymology of place names can sometimes offer insight into their characteristics, for Dabbesheth, its primary semantic range is purely geographical. It functions as a fixed point in the landscape, serving as a marker for tribal boundaries. The word itself may be related to the root for "hump" or "mound," suggesting an elevated topographical feature, or possibly "honey" (דְּבַשׁ, `{{H1706}}`), though the former is more likely in a geographical context. However, its meaning in the biblical text is solely its identity as a specific location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dabbesheth appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:11]]: "And their border went up to the west, and to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth, and reached to the brook that is before Jokneam."
This solitary occurrence places Dabbesheth squarely within the geographical description of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. The context is a meticulous detailing of the tribal boundaries following the conquest of Canaan. Dabbesheth serves as a specific landmark, delineating a segment of Zebulun's western border. Its inclusion underscores the precise nature of the land distribution, highlighting the careful and ordered allocation of territory among the twelve tribes as recorded in Joshua chapters 13-19. It is not associated with any particular historical event, battle, or significant individual; its role is purely cartographical.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a geographical marker, Dabbesheth is conceptually related to other place names that define borders and territories within the land of Canaan. These include cities, mountains, valleys, and rivers that served as natural or established boundaries. The very act of naming and listing these places, including Dabbesheth, connects to the broader biblical theme of the land inheritance (נַחֲלָה, *nachalah*, `{{H5159}}`). While its etymology might hint at a "hump" or elevated feature, linking it to terms describing topography, its primary relationship is with the extensive catalog of geographical markers found throughout the book of Joshua. It is part of the divine blueprint for the promised land.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Dabbesheth, though not explicitly stated in the text, is inherently tied to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous listing of tribal boundaries, including obscure markers like Dabbesheth, testifies to:
1. **Divine Fulfillment:** It demonstrates the literal and tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Joshua 21:43-45]]). Every boundary marker, no matter how small, confirms that God delivered precisely what He pledged.
2. **Divine Order and Justice:** The precise demarcation of territories reflects God's orderly and just distribution of the inheritance among the tribes, preventing disputes and ensuring each tribe received its designated portion.
3. **The Land as Inheritance:** Dabbesheth contributes to the theological concept of the land as a divine gift and an enduring inheritance, central to Israel's identity and relationship with God. The very specificity of the border descriptions underscores the reality and permanence of this inheritance.
While Dabbesheth itself holds no unique revelatory significance, its presence in the biblical text reinforces the theological underpinnings of the land's distribution as a testament to God's sovereign plan and His unwavering commitment to His people.
### Summary
Dabbesheth (דַּבֶּשֶׁת, `{{H1708}}`) is a unique proper noun, serving as a specific geographical place name in ancient Palestine. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Joshua 19:11]] identifies it as a border marker for the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. While its etymology may suggest a topographical feature like a "hump" or mound, its textual function is purely to delineate a precise boundary. Theologically, Dabbesheth contributes to the larger narrative of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan. Its inclusion in the detailed land distribution records underscores the divine order, justice, and the tangible reality of Israel's inheritance, testifying to God's meticulous care in allocating the promised land to His people.
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