Geliloth is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The name "Geliloth" is derived from the Hebrew root "galal," meaning "to roll" or "circle," which may suggest a geographical feature or a boundary marker. It is mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 18:17 · In the Berean Standard Bible, the passage states: "From there it curved northward and went to En Shemesh, continued to Geliloth opposite the Pass of Adummim, and went down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben." This verse is part of the description of the boundary of the tribe of Benjamin. Geliloth is mentioned as a point along the border, indicating its significance in demarcating tribal territories.

2. Joshua 22:10-11 · Although Geliloth is not directly mentioned in these verses, the context involves the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh building an altar near the Jordan River, which is in proximity to the region where Geliloth is located. This event underscores the importance of geographical locations in maintaining tribal identities and religious practices.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Geliloth is believed to be located near the Jordan Valley, close to the Pass of Adummim, which is a significant route leading from the Jordan River to Jerusalem. The exact location of Geliloth is not definitively known today, but it is generally associated with the region east of Jerusalem, near the border between the tribal lands of Benjamin and Judah.

The mention of Geliloth in the context of boundary descriptions highlights the importance of clearly defined borders for the tribes of Israel. These boundaries were not only significant for political and territorial reasons but also held religious and cultural importance, as they were part of the divine allotment of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Geliloth and other boundary markers in the Book of Joshua emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of the covenant made with the patriarchs. Each boundary and location mentioned serves as a reminder of the divine order and the importance of obedience to God's commands in maintaining the integrity and unity of the nation of Israel.

In summary, Geliloth serves as a geographical marker within the biblical narrative, illustrating the careful division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Its mention in the Scriptures underscores the significance of land, heritage, and divine promise in the history and faith of the Israelite people.Geliloth

rolling, wheel, heap

Geliloth

(circuit), a place named among the marks of the south boundary line of the tribe of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:17) The name Geliloth never occurs again in this locality, and it therefore seems probable that Gilgal is the right reading.

Circles; regions, a place in the border of Benjamin (Joshua 18:17); called Gilgal in 15:7. GELILOTH

ge-li'-loth (geliloth): This word is used for "districts" or "circuits" perhaps indicating the different parts subject to the several lords of the Philistines (Joshua 13:2, the King James Version "borders," the Revised Version (British and American) "regions"); for the quarter of the Jordan valley where the eastern tribes built the altar of Ed (Joshua 22:10; the King James Version "border of," the Revised Version (British and American) "region about," Jordan); and apparently, for the whole of Philistia (Joel 3:4, the King James Version "coasts of Palestine," the Revised Version (British and American) "regions of Philistia"). But in Joshua 18:17, it is clearly used as a place-name. Geliloth lay on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin which passed En-shemesh (probably `Ain el-Chod, about 2 miles East of Jerusalem), "and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim." From this point it "went down" toward the plain. The place cannot therefore be identified with Gilgal in the Jordan valley. Some point on the road leading from Jericho to Tal`at ed-Dumm, about 6 miles from Jerusalem, was probably intended, but no identification is possible.

W. Ewing

1553. Geliloth -- "circles," a Pal. place name
... 1552, 1553. Geliloth. 1554 . "circles," a Pal. place name. Transliteration:
Geliloth Phonetic Spelling: (ghel-ee-lowth') Short Definition: Geliloth. ...
/hebrew/1553.htm - 6kGeliloth (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Circles; regions, a place in the border of Benjamin (Joshua
18:17); called Gilgal in 15:7. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GELILOTH. ...
/g/geliloth.htm - 8k

Geli'loth (1 Occurrence)
Geli'loth. Geliloth, Geli'loth. Gem . Multi-Version Concordance Geli'loth
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Geliloth, Geli'loth. Gem . Reference Bible.
/g/geli'loth.htm - 6k

Gehenna (12 Occurrences)

/g/gehenna.htm - 15k

Northerly (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 18:17 And it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went
out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down ...
/n/northerly.htm - 6k

Gallim (2 Occurrences)
... the son of Laish (1 Samuel 25:44), and it is by many authorities identified with
the Gilgal on the North border of Judah (Joshua 15:7), the Geliloth of the ...
/g/gallim.htm - 8k

Northward (41 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS). Joshua 18:17 It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh,
and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim. ...
/n/northward.htm - 21k

En-she'mesh (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:17 And it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went
out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down ...
/e/en-she'mesh.htm - 7k

Extended (40 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV NAS). Joshua 18:17 It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went
out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim. ...
/e/extended.htm - 17k

Enshemesh (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went
forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and ...
/e/enshemesh.htm - 8k

En (19 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:17 It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out
to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim. ...
/e/en.htm - 14k

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