Biblical Reference:
Karka is mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Judah. It appears in the Book of Joshua, which details the allotment of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Scriptural Citation:
Joshua 15:1-3 provides the context for Karka:
"This then was the allotment for the tribe of the descendants of Judah according to their clans: The southern border began at the bay of the Salt Sea, from the southern tip, and proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued to Zin, and went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, then it went to Hezron, up to Addar, and turned to Karka."

Geographical Context:
Karka is listed as part of the southern boundary of the tribe of Judah. The exact location of Karka is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, its inclusion in the boundary description suggests it was a notable landmark or settlement during the time of the Israelite settlement in Canaan.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
While Karka itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeological studies, the surrounding regions mentioned in Joshua 15, such as Kadesh-barnea and the Ascent of Akrabbim, have been subjects of archaeological interest. These areas provide insight into the ancient routes and settlements that were significant during the Israelite conquest and settlement period.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Karka, along with other boundary markers, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed description of boundaries in Joshua reflects the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society, serving as a tangible sign of God's covenant with His people. The delineation of tribal territories also highlights the organized structure of the Israelite community as they settled in the Promised Land.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, boundary markers like Karka were crucial for defining tribal and familial territories. These markers helped prevent disputes and maintained order among the tribes. The precise recording of such locations in the biblical text reflects the importance of land and heritage in Israelite culture.

Conclusion:
While Karka itself remains an obscure location in biblical geography, its mention in the context of Judah's boundaries contributes to our understanding of the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel. The passage in Joshua serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israel in the land of Canaan.KARKA

kar'-ka (ha-qarqa`ah-with the article and locale; the King James Version Karkaa): A place in the South of Judah, between Addar and Wady el-`Arish (Joshua 15:3). Eusebius, Onomasticon speaks of a village in Judah lying toward the wilderness, named Akarka. It cannot now be identified. The name means "the pavement," or "ground."

7173. Qarqa -- "floor," a place on S. border of Judah
... 7172, 7173. Qarqa. 7174 . "floor," a place on S. border of Judah. Transliteration:
Qarqa Phonetic Spelling: (kar-kah') Short Definition: Karka. ...
/hebrew/7173.htm - 6k

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... of Azamit, at Medinet-Habu; the chapel of Isis, constructed by Amenothes, son of
Hapu, formed a rallying-point for the huts of the hamlet of Karka;* and in the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Karka (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia KARKA. ... It cannot now be identified. The name means
"the pavement," or "ground.". Multi-Version Concordance Karka (1 Occurrence). ...
/k/karka.htm - 7k

Zin (9 Occurrences)
... Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and
passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka; (WEB KJV ...
/z/zin.htm - 11k

Kariathiarius

/k/kariathiarius.htm - 6k

Karkaa (1 Occurrence)

/k/karkaa.htm - 7k

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)
... and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea, and passed along
by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka; (ASV BBE DBY ...
/k/kadesh-barnea.htm - 12k

Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences)
... Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and
passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka; (See RSV ...
/k/ka'desh-bar'nea.htm - 9k

Turns (80 Occurrences)
... of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea,
and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka. ...
/t/turns.htm - 28k

Passes (74 Occurrences)
... of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea,
and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka. ...
/p/passes.htm - 28k

Barnea (10 Occurrences)
... Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and
passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka; (WEB KJV ...
/b/barnea.htm - 9k

Curved (10 Occurrences)
... Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and
passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka; (See NIV ...
/c/curved.htm - 9k

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