Helkath
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Etymology and Meaning
The name "Helkath" is derived from the Hebrew word "חֶלְקַת" (Helqat), which means "portion" or "field." This name reflects the agricultural and territorial significance of the location in biblical times.

Biblical References
Helkath is mentioned in the Old Testament as a city within the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. It is specifically noted in the Book of Joshua during the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Joshua 19:25 :
"Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph."

In this passage, Helkath is listed among the cities that were part of the inheritance of the tribe of Asher. The context of this verse is the distribution of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses and executed by Joshua.

Historical and Geographical Context
Helkath was situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, within the region assigned to Asher. The tribe of Asher was located along the western coast of the land, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This area was known for its fertile land and agricultural productivity, which aligns with the meaning of the name "Helkath" as a "portion" or "field."

The exact location of Helkath is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been in the vicinity of modern-day northern Israel, possibly near the coastal plain. The region's rich soil and favorable climate would have made it an ideal location for farming and settlement.

Theological Significance
The mention of Helkath in the Bible, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel was a tangible expression of God's covenant with His people, providing them with a homeland where they could live according to His laws and worship Him.

The division of the land, including cities like Helkath, underscores the importance of inheritance and the concept of divine provision. Each tribe received a specific portion, emphasizing the idea that God had a plan and purpose for each part of His chosen people.

Cultural and Religious Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, land was not only a source of sustenance but also a symbol of identity and divine blessing. The possession of land was closely tied to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. As such, cities like Helkath were more than just geographical locations; they were integral to the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites.

The allocation of Helkath to the tribe of Asher also highlights the diversity and unity within the nation of Israel. Each tribe had its own territory, yet all were part of the larger community of God's people, bound together by shared faith and heritage.

Conclusion
While Helkath is not a prominent city in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the list of cities given to Asher serves as a reminder of God's meticulous care in providing for His people. The city's name and location reflect the agricultural abundance of the region and the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Smoothness, a town of Asher, on the east border (Joshua 19:25; 21:31); called also Hukok (1 Chronicles 6:75).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HELKATH

hel'-kath (chelqath (Joshua 19:25); chelqath (Joshua 21:31); by a scribal error chuqoq (1 Chronicles 6:75)): A town or district on the border of Asher, assigned to the Levites; unidentified.

Strong's Hebrew
2520. Chelqath -- "portion, possession," a city in Asher
... Chelqath. 2521 . "portion, possession," a city in Asher. Transliteration: Chelqath
Phonetic Spelling: (khel-kath') Short Definition: Helkath. ... Helkath. ...
/hebrew/2520.htm - 6k

2521. Chelqath Hatstsurim -- a place near the pool of Gibeon
... a place near the pool of Gibeon. Transliteration: Chelqath Hatstsurim Phonetic Spelling:
(khel-kath' hats-tsoo-reem') Short Definition: Helkath-hazzurim. ...
/hebrew/2521.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Helkath (3 Occurrences)
... 75). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELKATH. hel'-kath ... unidentified.
Multi-Version Concordance Helkath (3 Occurrences). Joshua 19 ...
/h/helkath.htm - 8k

Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence)
Helkath-hazzurim. Helkathhazzurim, Helkath-hazzurim. Hel'kath-hazzu'rim . Easton's
Bible Dictionary ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELKATH-HAZZURIM. ...
/h/helkath-hazzurim.htm - 9k

Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence)
... every man his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so
they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim." The ...
/h/helkathhazzurim.htm - 9k

Hel'kath-hazzu'rim (1 Occurrence)
Hel'kath-hazzu'rim. Helkath-hazzurim, Hel'kath-hazzu'rim. Helkias . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Helkath-hazzurim, Hel'kath-hazzu'rim. Helkias ...
/h/hel'kath-hazzu'rim.htm - 6k

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)
... A "sore battle" ensued in which Abner was beaten; he was pursued by the fleet-footed
Asahel, brother of Joab, whom he slew. See HELKATH-HAZZURIM. ...
/g/gibeon.htm - 31k

Hali (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HALI. ha'-li (chali): A town named with Helkath,
Beten and Achshaph on the border of Asher (Joshua 19:25). ...
/h/hali.htm - 7k

Opponent's (1 Occurrence)
... everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they
fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which ...
/o/opponent's.htm - 6k

Opponent (13 Occurrences)
... everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they
fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which ...
/o/opponent.htm - 10k

Grass-lands (42 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:30 And from the tribe of Asher, Mishal and Abdon, with their grass-lands:
(BBE). Joshua 21:31 Helkath and Rehob with their grass-lands, four towns. ...
/g/grass-lands.htm - 17k

Fellow's (3 Occurrences)
... everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they
fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which ...
/f/fellow's.htm - 7k

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