The Hebrew place name Misrᵉphôwth mayim, represented by H4956, identifies a location in Palestine. Its name translates to burnings of water. The term appears 2 times in 2 unique verses, situating it within the context of Israel's conquest of the promised land.
In the biblical narrative, H4956 marks a significant geographical boundary during the Israelite conquest. Following a victory given by the LORD H3068, the Israelites chased H7291 their enemies to Misrephothmaim, smiting H5221 them until none remained H8300 Joshua 11:8. The location is also mentioned as a boundary for the land God commanded H6680 Israel H3478 to possess, specifically the area from Lebanon H3844 to Misrephothmaim which was part of the promised inheritance H5159 Joshua 13:6.
Several related words help establish the geographical and historical context of Misrephothmaim:
- H2022 har (hill country): Defined as a mountain or range of hills. The territory including Misrephothmaim is described as the hill country that stretches from Lebanon H3844 Joshua 13:6.
- H6721 Tsîydôwn (Zidon): The name of a place in Palestine, meaning fishery. Israel's pursuit of its enemies extended to "great Zidon" and Misrephothmaim Joshua 11:8.
- H3423 yârash (drive out): A primitive root meaning to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place). God promised to drive out the inhabitants of the land that included Misrephothmaim Joshua 13:6.
- H5159 nachălâh (inheritance): This word means something inherited, often an estate or portion. The land marked by Misrephothmaim was to be divided by lot to the Israelites as an inheritance Joshua 13:6.
The geographical significance of H4956 is tied directly to the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
- Boundary of Conquest: Misrephothmaim serves as a landmark defining the extent of the Israelite military pursuit. The chase reached this point, along with great Zidon H6721 and the valley H1237 of Mizpeh H4708, marking a comprehensive victory Joshua 11:8.
- Territory for Inheritance: The location is a key geographical marker for land God promised to give Israel H3478 as an inheritance H5159. It defines one end of a region stretching from Lebanon H3844 that was to be cleared of its inhabitants H3427 Joshua 13:6.
- Association with Regional Powers: It is mentioned in close proximity to the Sidonians H6722 and the major city of Zidon H6721, placing it within a significant northern region that was a target of the Israelite conquest (Joshua 11:8, Joshua 13:6).
In summary, Misrᵉphôwth mayim H4956 is a specific geographical location mentioned exclusively in the book of Joshua. Though it appears only twice, it plays a crucial role in defining the boundaries of both a military victory and the land promised by the LORD H3068 as an inheritance H5159 to Israel H3478. Its primary function is to serve as a precise landmark in the historical narrative of the conquest.
TRV