### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mikmᵉthâth** `{{H4366}}` refers to a place in Palestine, with a name apparently derived from an unused root meaning to hide or **concealment**. As a geographical marker, its name appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, playing a specific role in defining tribal boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4366}}` functions exclusively as a landmark in the Book of Joshua during the allotment of land to the Israelite tribes. It is used to define the **coast** `{{H1366}}` of the tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`, described as lying **before** `{{H6440}}` the city of **Shechem** `{{H7927}}` [[Joshua 17:7]]. It also marks a point on the **border** `{{H1366}}` that **went out** `{{H3318}}` toward the **sea** `{{H3220}}` on the **north side** `{{H6828}}` before turning **eastward** `{{H4217}}` [[Joshua 16:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the geographical and tribal context of Mikmethath:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, coast): This word is used to frame the purpose of Mikmethath as a boundary line. It establishes the **coast** of Manasseh [[Joshua 17:7]] and the **border** of the tribal territory [[Joshua 16:6]], highlighting the importance of defined inheritance.
* `{{H4519}}` **Mᵉnashsheh** (Manasseh): This is the name of the tribe whose territory is being described. The location of Mikmethath is a key detail in the delineation of the land allotted to **Manasseh** [[Joshua 17:7]].
* `{{H7927}}` **Shᵉkem** (Shechem): A major city used as a reference point to locate Mikmethath, which "lieth before **Shechem**" [[Joshua 17:7]]. This grounds the border description in a known and significant location.
* `{{H8387}}` **Taʼănath Shilôh** (Taanath-shiloh): Another place in Palestine mentioned as part of the same border description. The border **went about** `{{H5437}}` eastward unto **Taanathshiloh** after passing Mikmethath [[Joshua 16:6]].
### Theological Significance
While a minor place name, the context surrounding `{{H4366}}` connects to significant theological themes regarding God's promises and sovereignty.
* **Fulfillment of Land Promises:** The detailed mapping of borders, using points like Mikmethath, demonstrates the meticulous fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the tribes of Israel. The description of the **border** `{{H1366}}` of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` is a tangible outworking of this covenant [[Joshua 17:7]].
* **Divine Authority over Boundaries:** The Hebrew word for **border** `{{H1366}}` is not limited to land allotments. It is also used to describe God's power over creation, as when He placed the sand as the **bound** `{{H1366}}` for the **sea** `{{H3220}}` [[Jeremiah 5:22]]. This elevates the tribal boundaries from mere human geography to a reflection of divinely ordained order.
* **Covenantal Geography:** The proximity of Mikmethath to **Shechem** `{{H7927}}` is noteworthy. Shechem was a location of great historical importance, where Abram first passed through the land and where Joshua later made a covenant with the people, setting statutes and ordinances ([[Genesis 12:6]], [[Joshua 24:25]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Mikmᵉthâth** `{{H4366}}` is a geographical landmark whose significance extends beyond its two scriptural appearances. As a point on the border of Manasseh, it plays a direct role in the narrative of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land. Its use in conjunction with words for boundaries and covenant-rich locations like Shechem anchors it within the larger biblical themes of God's faithfulness, sovereign authority, and covenant relationship with His people.
TRV