The Hebrew word ʻĂṭârôwth, represented by H5852, is a place name found in Palestine. Its base definition indicates it is the plural of ʻaṭârâh and is used to name two distinct locations. The word appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, primarily in contexts related to tribal land allocation and the establishment of borders.
In the biblical narrative, H5852 first appears as one of several cities east of the Jordan requested by the tribes of Gad and Reuben for their cattle Numbers 32:3. This request is granted, and the text later confirms that the children of Gad built Ataroth, along with Dibon and Aroer, solidifying their claim to the territory Numbers 32:34. In the book of Joshua, Ataroth is mentioned twice as a significant landmark defining the borders of tribal inheritances (Joshua 16:2, Joshua 16:7). It is also listed within a genealogy as part of the lineage of the sons of Salma 1 Chronicles 2:54.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H5852 appears:
- H1410 Gâd (Gad): This refers to the tribe whose children H1121 are explicitly credited with building Ataroth as part of their settlement Numbers 32:34.
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This primitive root describes the action of establishing the city of Ataroth, signifying the physical settlement and development of the land by the Israelites Numbers 32:34.
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border): Ataroth serves as a key point along a border, a term used to delineate the precise territory allotted to a tribe, emphasizing the importance of ordered and defined inheritance Joshua 16:2.
- H5854 ʻAṭrôwth bêyth Yôwʼâb (Ataroth the house of Joab): This is a related place name, mentioned in connection with H5852 in the genealogical lists, suggesting a close geographical or familial relationship 1 Chronicles 2:54.
The significance of H5852 lies in its role within the establishment and documentation of Israel's national identity.
- Tribal Inheritance: The story of Ataroth being requested and subsequently built by the tribe of Gad is a tangible example of the Israelite tribes taking possession of their promised inheritance (Numbers 32:3, Numbers 32:34).
- Defining Sacred Geography: By serving as a boundary marker, Ataroth helps to map out the physical territories of the covenant people, transforming a general landscape into a structured and divinely apportioned land (Joshua 16:2, Joshua 16:7).
- Genealogical Landmark: The inclusion of Ataroth in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles demonstrates how specific places were tied to the identity and history of Israelite families and clans, grounding their lineage in the physical land 1 Chronicles 2:54.
In summary, H5852 is more than a simple geographical reference. It functions as a key location in the narrative of Israel's settlement, representing the fulfillment of land promises. Its use in scripture highlights the importance of building cities, defining borders, and recording genealogies, all of which were central to establishing Israel's presence and identity in its designated territory.
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