Adithaim is a town mentioned in the Old Testament within the tribal allotments of Judah. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The specific mention of Adithaim is found in Joshua 15:36, where it is listed among the cities in the Shephelah, or the lowland region of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows: "Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim—fourteen cities, along with their villages."

Geographical Context

Adithaim is situated in the Shephelah, a region characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, lying between the coastal plain and the central highlands of Judah. This area was significant for its agricultural productivity and strategic location, serving as a buffer zone against the Philistine territories to the west. The exact location of Adithaim remains uncertain, as it has not been definitively identified by modern archaeologists. However, its inclusion in the list of cities in Joshua 15 suggests it was an established settlement during the time of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The mention of Adithaim in the biblical text, though brief, indicates its role as part of the broader network of towns that contributed to the socio-political structure of ancient Judah. The cities of the Shephelah, including Adithaim, were integral to the defense and economic stability of the region. They served as centers for trade, agriculture, and military operations, particularly in the ongoing conflicts with neighboring Philistine cities.

Biblical Context

The Book of Joshua is a historical narrative that chronicles the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The division of the land among the tribes is a central theme, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the inheritance of the land (Genesis 15:18-21). Adithaim's inclusion in the list of cities allotted to Judah underscores the tribe's territorial claims and the establishment of their presence in the region.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Adithaim, like other cities in the tribal allotments, reflects the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to the patriarchs. The distribution of the land is seen as an act of divine providence, ensuring that each tribe received its inheritance according to God's plan. The detailed listing of cities, including Adithaim, serves as a testament to the historical reality of Israel's settlement in Canaan and the establishment of their national identity.

Conclusion

While Adithaim is not a prominent city in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Judah highlights its role in the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel. As part of the Shephelah, Adithaim contributed to the agricultural and defensive capabilities of Judah, playing a part in the unfolding account of God's people in the Promised Land.Adithaim

assemblies; testimonies

Adithaim

(double ornament), a town belonging to Judah, lying in the low country, and named, between Sharaim and hag-Gederah, in (Joshua 15:36) only.

ADITHAIM

ad-i-tha'-im (`adhithayim "double ornament, passage, or prey"): A city in "the lowland" (Shephelah, not as the King James Version "valley") of Judah (Joshua 15:36). Site unknown, but possibly same as ADIDA (which see).

5723. Adithayim -- a city in Judah
... 5722, 5723. Adithayim. 5724 . a city in Judah. Transliteration: Adithayim Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-ee-thah'-yim) Short Definition: Adithaim. ... Adithaim. ...
/hebrew/5723.htm - 6kAdithaim (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADITHAIM. ...Adithaim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:36 Shaaraim,
Adithaim and Gederah (or Gederothaim); fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/a/adithaim.htm - 7k

Gederah (2 Occurrences)
... ge-de'-ra, ge-de'-ra-thit (ha-gedherah, "the enclosed place"): A town in the Shephelah
of Judah, named with Socoh, Azekah, Shaaraim and Adithaim (Joshua 15:36 ...
/g/gederah.htm - 8k

Aditha'im (1 Occurrence)
Aditha'im. Adithaim, Aditha'im. Adjacent . ... Joshua 15:36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim,
and Gederah, with Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/a/aditha'im.htm - 6k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... places. (BBE). Joshua 15:36 And Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and
Gederothaim; fourteen towns with their unwalled places. (BBE). ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

Gederotha'im (1 Occurrence)
... Gederotha'im (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah,
with Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/g/gederotha'im.htm - 6k

Gede'rah (2 Occurrences)
... Gede'rah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah,
with Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/g/gede'rah.htm - 6k

Gederathite (1 Occurrence)
... ge-de'-ra, ge-de'-ra-thit (ha-gedherah, "the enclosed place"): A town in the Shephelah
of Judah, named with Socoh, Azekah, Shaaraim and Adithaim (Joshua 15:36 ...
/g/gederathite.htm - 7k

Gederothaim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gederothaim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:36 Shaaraim, Adithaim
and Gederah (or Gederothaim); fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/g/gederothaim.htm - 7k

Fourteen (26 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:36 Shaaraim, Adithaim and Gederah (or Gederothaim); fourteen cities with
their villages. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/fourteen.htm - 15k

Adinus
Adinus. Adinu, Adinus. Adithaim . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADINUS.
ad'-i-nus. See IADINUS (Apocrypha). Adinu, Adinus. Adithaim . Reference Bible
/a/adinus.htm - 6k

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