### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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