Chesil is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is identified as one of the cities in the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. The name "Chesil" is thought to mean "fool" or "confidence," though the exact etymology remains uncertain.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:30 · Chesil is listed among the cities in the southern part of the tribal inheritance of Judah. The verse states: "Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah." This passage is part of a larger section detailing the boundaries and cities of Judah, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel.

Geographical Context:

Chesil is situated in the Negev region, a semi-arid area in the southern part of ancient Israel. The Negev was known for its challenging environment, requiring the inhabitants to adapt to its arid conditions. The specific location of Chesil is not definitively known today, and it is not prominently featured in other biblical narratives, which suggests it may have been a smaller or less significant settlement during the biblical period.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

While Chesil itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeological studies, the broader region of the Negev has yielded significant findings that illuminate the life and culture of ancient Judah. The area was strategically important, serving as a buffer zone against incursions from the south and as a trade route connecting different parts of the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

In the context of the Book of Joshua, the mention of Chesil, along with other cities, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation in the Promised Land. Each city, including Chesil, represents a piece of the divine inheritance given to the people of Israel.

Cultural and Religious Context:

The tribal allotments, including Chesil, reflect the organizational structure of ancient Israelite society. The division of land among the tribes was not only a practical matter but also held religious significance, as it was seen as a direct command from God. The land was a tangible sign of the covenant between God and His people, and each city played a role in the collective identity and heritage of the Israelites.

In summary, while Chesil may not be a prominent city in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Judah highlights the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the nation of Israel.Chesil

foolishness

Chesil

(idolatrous), a town in the extreme south of Palestine, (Joshua 15:30) 15 Miles southwest of Beersheba. In (Joshua 19:4) the name is BETHUL.

Ungodly, a town in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:30); probably the same as Bethul (19:4) and Bethuel (1 Chronicles 4:30); now Khelasa. CHESIL

ke'-sil, kes'-il (kecil; A, Chaseir): A town in the extreme South of Judah named with Eltolad, Hormah and Ziklag (Joshua 15:30). The name does not occur again. In Joshua 19:4 it is replaced by Bethul (Septuagint Baithel), and in 1 Chronicles 4:30 by Bethuel. "Chesil" may have arisen from a misreading of the text.

3686. Kesil -- a place in S. Judah
... 3685, 3686. Kesil. 3687 . a place in S. Judah. Transliteration: Kesil
Phonetic Spelling: (kes-eel') Short Definition: Chesil. Word ...
/hebrew/3686.htm - 6k

The Death of Abraham
... undisturbed; and the pebbles will be ranged according to their weights on the great
shore where the sea has cast them up, as they are upon Chesil beach, down ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the death of abraham.htm

Chesil (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHESIL. ... "Chesil" may have arisen from a misreading
of the text. Multi-Version Concordance Chesil (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/chesil.htm - 7k

Hormah (9 Occurrences)
... In Joshua 12:14 it is named between Geder and Arad; in Joshua 15:30 between Chesil
and Ziklag, among the uttermost cities toward the border of Edom in the South ...
/h/hormah.htm - 12k

Chesed (1 Occurrence)

/c/chesed.htm - 8k

Kesil (3 Occurrences)
... Kesil (3 Occurrences). Joshua 15:30 Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah, (See NIV). Job 9:9
Making Osh, Kesil, and Kimah, And the inner chambers of the south. (YLT). ...
/k/kesil.htm - 7k

Elto'lad (2 Occurrences)
... Elto'lad (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:30 and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah; (See
RSV). Joshua 19:4 and Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah; (See RSV). ...
/e/elto'lad.htm - 6k

Eltolad (2 Occurrences)
... Site unknown. Multi-Version Concordance Eltolad (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:30 Eltolad,
Chesil, Hormah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/eltolad.htm - 7k

Chesnut (1 Occurrence)

/c/chesnut.htm - 6k

Bethul (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETHUL. beth'-ul, be'-thul (bethul): See BETHUEL;
CHESIL. Multi-Version Concordance Bethul (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bethul.htm - 6k

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