from the plural of אֲשֵׁדָה and פִּסְגָּה with the article interposed; ravines of the Pisgah; Ashdoth-Pisgah, a place east of the Jordan; Ashdoth-pisgah.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **ʼAshdôwth hap-Piçgâh**, represented by `{{H798}}`, refers to a specific location east of the Jordan. Its name translates to **ravines of the Pisgah**. Derived from the plural of `{{H794}}` ʼăshêdâh, it identifies a key geographical feature. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, always in the context of describing territorial boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H798}}` functions as a precise landmark during the pivotal period of Israel's settlement of the promised land. It is first mentioned as part of the eastern border of the territory conquered, situated under the slopes of Pisgah and stretching toward the **salt** `{{H4417}}` **sea** `{{H3220}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:17]]. The location is again used to define the extent of the kingdoms defeated by the Israelites, marking a southern point in a list of boundaries that run along the **plain** `{{H6160}}` [[Joshua 12:3]]. Finally, it is listed as one of the places allotted to the tribe of Reuben as part of their inheritance [[Joshua 13:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the geographical and political context of **ʼAshdôwth hap-Piçgâh**:
* `{{H794}}` **ʼăshêdâh** (springs): This word, meaning "a ravine; springs," forms the basis of the name. It describes the physical topography of the region, which was known for its ravines or springs [[Joshua 10:40]].
* `{{H1020}}` **Bêyth ha-Yshîy-môwth** (Beth-jeshimoth): This "house of the deserts" was a town east of the Jordan, mentioned alongside `{{H798}}` as a key location in the territorial allotment to Reuben [[Joshua 13:20]].
* `{{H1047}}` **Bêyth Pᵉʻôwr** (Bethpeor): Meaning "house of Peor," this was another town east of the Jordan. It is listed with Ashdothpisgah and Bethjeshimoth, indicating a cluster of important sites in the region given to Reuben [[Joshua 13:20]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H798}}` is primarily geographical and historical, anchoring the narrative of Israel's settlement to a tangible map.
* **Boundary Marker:** Its most frequent use is to delineate the borders of conquered land and tribal inheritances, providing a clear and specific reference point for the territories east of the **Jordan** `{{H3383}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:17]].
* **Tribal Inheritance:** The inclusion of Ashdothpisgah in the list of lands given to Reuben solidifies its importance as a recognized place within the Israelite tribal system [[Joshua 13:20]].
* **Geographical Anchor:** It consistently appears with other major landmarks like the **sea** `{{H3220}}` of the **plain** `{{H6160}}` and **Chinnereth** `{{H3672}}`, helping to establish a coherent picture of the region's geography.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H798}}` **ʼAshdôwth hap-Piçgâh** is more than just a name on a map; it is a vital geographical pin in the biblical account of the conquest and settlement of Canaan. While appearing only a few times, it plays a crucial role in defining the precise boundaries of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, grounding the sweeping narrative of inheritance in the specific ravines and plains east of the Jordan.
TRV