The Hebrew phrase Taʼănath Shilôh, represented by H8387, refers to a specific location in Palestine. Its name translates to "approach of Shiloh." This place name appears only 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible, where it serves as a geographical marker.
The single appearance of H8387 is in the book of Joshua, during the description of the allotment of land for the tribes of Israel. It is mentioned as a landmark for the border of the territory. The scripture states that the border "went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah" Joshua 16:6. This places it as a key point in the demarcation of tribal inheritance in the Promised Land.
Several related words help establish the geographical context of Taanath-Shiloh:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border, bound, coast): This word is central to the passage, as Taanath-Shiloh itself helps define a border. The establishment of these boundaries was a significant event, as God promised to set the bounds of the land for His people Exodus 23:31.
- H4366 Mikmᵉthâth (concealment; Michmethath): This is another place name used to define the same boundary line mentioned in the same verse. The border description runs "to Michmethah on the north side" before turning toward Taanath-Shiloh Joshua 16:6.
- H3239 Yânôwach (quiet; Janoah, Janohah): This location is mentioned immediately after Taanath-Shiloh, as the border "passed by it on the east to Janohah" Joshua 16:6. This shows the sequential nature of these landmarks in mapping the territory.
While mentioned only once, the context of H8387 highlights important biblical concepts related to the land.
- Territorial Demarcation: Taanath-Shiloh's primary role is to serve as a precise marker in the division of the land. Its mention is part of a detailed survey that establishes clear and identifiable borders for the tribes Joshua 16:6.
- Fulfillment of Promise: The act of defining borders, using landmarks like Taanath-Shiloh, is part of the larger narrative of God fulfilling his promise to give the land to Israel. The Lord had promised to enlarge their borders Exodus 34:24 and bring His children back to their own border Jeremiah 31:17.
- Geographical Specificity: The passage uses exact directional language, noting the border moving eastward H4217 unto Taanath-Shiloh. This demonstrates the orderly and deliberate nature of the land distribution as recorded in scripture Joshua 16:6.
In summary, H8387 is the proper name Taanath-Shiloh, a location mentioned once in the Old Testament. Its significance comes from its function as a landmark in the biblical account of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Although a minor detail, its inclusion in the sacred text underscores the importance of the land as a divine inheritance and the care with which its boundaries were recorded.
TRV