or תֹּצָאָה; from יָצָא; (only in plural collective) exit, i.e. (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source; border(-s), going(-s) forth (out), issues, outgoings.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word tôwtsâʼâh (תּוֹצָאָה, `{{H8444}}`) is derived from the verbal root yātsāʼ (יָצָא, `{{H3318}}`), which fundamentally means "to go out," "to come forth," or "to proceed." As a noun, tôwtsâʼâh therefore signifies an "exit," "outgoing," or "that which goes forth."
Its semantic range, as indicated by its usage, primarily encompasses:
* **Geographical Boundaries:** Most frequently, it refers to the "border," "boundary," or "outgoings" of a territory, marking the furthest extent or the point where a region terminates. This usage is almost exclusively in the plural collective, highlighting the entirety of the boundary lines.
* **Figurative/Abstract (less common):** While the base definition suggests potential for "deliverance" (as an outcome or "going forth" from trouble) or "source" (that from which something "issues forth"), the extant biblical occurrences of tôwtsâʼâh do not clearly exemplify these abstract meanings. The primary emphasis remains on physical boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tôwtsâʼâh occurs sixteen times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Joshua and Numbers, where it is consistently used in a geographical context to describe the precise boundaries of the land of Israel and the tribal inheritances.
* **Defining Tribal Territories:** In the book of Joshua, tôwtsâʼâh is crucial for delineating the "outgoings" or "borders" of the land allotted to the various tribes. For example, it describes the northern, western, and southern borders of Judah's inheritance ([[Joshua 15:4]], [[Joshua 15:7]], [[Joshua 15:9]], [[Joshua 15:11]]). Similarly, it marks the boundaries for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh ([[Joshua 16:3]], [[Joshua 16:8]], [[Joshua 17:9]]) and Benjamin ([[Joshua 18:12]], [[Joshua 18:14]], [[Joshua 18:19]]). These detailed descriptions underscore the meticulous and divinely ordained nature of the land distribution, leaving no ambiguity about each tribe's rightful possession.
* **Borders of the Promised Land:** Prior to the conquest, tôwtsâʼâh is used in Numbers to describe the "outgoings" of the southern and western borders of the entire land of Canaan that God promised to Israel ([[Numbers 34:4]], [[Numbers 34:5]]). This demonstrates God's foreknowledge and specific provision of the land even before its full occupation.
* **Historical Geography:** In [[1 Chronicles 13:5]], the term is used to describe the "outgoings of Egypt," indicating the full extent of the land from which King David gathered all Israel to bring the Ark of God. Here, it maintains its geographical sense of a furthest limit or border.
In all its occurrences, tôwtsâʼâh serves to define limits and boundaries with precision, emphasizing the divinely established order and the concrete reality of the land inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **yātsāʼ (יָצָא, `{{H3318}}`):** The foundational verb "to go out" or "to come forth." Understanding this root illuminates tôwtsâʼâh as the *result* or *place* of an outgoing.
* **gevûl (גְּבוּל, `{{H1366}}`):** This is another common Hebrew word for "border" or "boundary." While gevûl often refers to the boundary line itself or the territory enclosed by it, tôwtsâʼâh specifically emphasizes the *point of exit* or the *extremity* of that line, often where it meets a natural feature like a sea or mountain range, or where one territory ends and another begins. The two terms are complementary in describing geographical limits.
* **naḥălāh (נַחֲלָה, `{{H5159}}`):** "Inheritance" or "allotment." The concept of tôwtsâʼâh is intrinsically linked to naḥălāh, as the boundaries defined by tôwtsâʼâh delineate the specific portion of the promised land that each tribe received as their divine inheritance.
* **gôrāl (גּוֹרָל, `{{H1486}}`):** "Lot." The land was divided by lot, and the tôwtsâʼâh then described the specific extent of the territory determined by that lot.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of tôwtsâʼâh in defining geographical boundaries carries profound theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** The meticulous detailing of "outgoings" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous ordering of creation and human affairs. He is not a God of chaos but of precise boundaries and established order. The land allocations were not random but divinely orchestrated.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promise:** The explicit definition of the land's borders through tôwtsâʼâh serves as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land. The boundaries represent the concrete realization of divine blessing and provision.
* **Identity and Belonging:** For the Israelite tribes, their tôwtsâʼâh defined their specific place within the covenant community and the nation. These boundaries provided a secure sense of identity, belonging, and the extent of their responsibilities within their God-given inheritance.
* **Holiness and Separation:** The defined borders also signify separation. They set Israel apart from the surrounding nations, emphasizing their unique status as God's chosen people and the distinctiveness of the holy land. The boundaries distinguished the sacred space where God's people were to live according to His laws.
* **Stewardship and Responsibility:** While God provided the land, the clear tôwtsâʼâh also implied a responsibility for the people to dwell within and properly steward their allotted portions, respecting the divine divisions and not encroaching upon others' inheritances.
### Summary
The Hebrew word tôwtsâʼâh (תּוֹצָאָה, `{{H8444}}`), derived from the verb yātsāʼ `{{H3318}}` ("to go out"), primarily designates an "outgoing" or "exit." In its biblical usage, it serves almost exclusively to denote the precise "borders" or "boundaries" of geographical territories, particularly in the context of the land inheritance of the Israelite tribes. These divinely established "outgoings" underscore God's meticulous sovereignty, His faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises, and the secure identity and distinctiveness of His people within their allotted portion. Though the root allows for broader semantic range, tôwtsâʼâh in the biblical text stands as a testament to the concrete and ordered nature of God's provision and the boundaries He sets.
TRV