Keramim is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the tribal allotments in the land of Canaan. The name "Keramim" is derived from the Hebrew word "kerem," which means "vineyard." This suggests that the area was likely known for its vineyards or fertile land suitable for grape cultivation.

Biblical References:

Keramim is mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 16:8, the boundary of the tribe of Ephraim is described: "From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim according to their clans." While Keramim is not explicitly named in this verse, it is understood to be part of the region allocated to Ephraim, known for its agricultural richness.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The region of Keramim, being associated with vineyards, indicates a location with a favorable climate and soil conditions for viticulture. In ancient Israel, vineyards were a significant part of the economy and daily life, providing wine, which was a staple beverage. The presence of vineyards also symbolized prosperity and blessing, as seen in various biblical passages.

The exact location of Keramim is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated within the territory of Ephraim, one of the central tribes of Israel. Ephraim's land was characterized by its fertile valleys and hills, making it an ideal location for vineyards.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, vineyards often symbolize God's provision and blessing. The imagery of a vineyard is used throughout Scripture to represent Israel as God's chosen people, whom He tends and cares for, expecting them to bear fruit. Isaiah 5:1-7, for example, presents the "Song of the Vineyard," where God laments over Israel's failure to produce good fruit despite His careful cultivation.

The mention of Keramim within the context of Ephraim's inheritance underscores the theme of divine blessing and the responsibility of the Israelites to steward the land faithfully. The fertile land of Keramim would have been seen as a tangible expression of God's promise to provide for His people in the land He had given them.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:

In ancient Israelite culture, vineyards were not only economic assets but also places of social and familial significance. The tending of vineyards required cooperation and community effort, reflecting the interconnectedness of the Israelite tribes and families. The produce of the vineyards, particularly wine, played a central role in religious rituals, celebrations, and daily life.

The symbolic use of vineyards in Scripture extends to the New Testament, where Jesus uses the imagery of the vine and branches in John 15:1-8 to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit, echoing the Old Testament themes associated with vineyards like Keramim.

In summary, Keramim, though briefly mentioned, represents a significant aspect of the biblical landscape, embodying themes of divine blessing, agricultural abundance, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.64. Abel Keramim -- a place in Ammon
Abel Keramim. 63, 64. Abel Keramim. 65 . a place in Ammon. Transliteration:
Abel Keramim Phonetic Spelling: (aw-bale' ker-aw-meem ...
/hebrew/64.htm - 6kKeramim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Keramim (1 Occurrence). Judges 11:33 And he smote
them from Aro'er to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty ...
/k/keramim.htm - 6k

Abel-keramim (1 Occurrence)
Abel-keramim. Abelkeramim, Abel-keramim. Abelmaim . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ABEL-CHERAMIM. ... Multi-Version Concordance Abel-keramim (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/abel-keramim.htm - 7k

Abelkeramim
... a'-bel-ker'-a-mim ('abhel keramim, "meadow of vineyards"): A city mentioned in the
Revised Version (British and American) in Judges 11:33, along with Aroer ...
/a/abelkeramim.htm - 6k

Keran (2 Occurrences)

/k/keran.htm - 6k

Neighborhood (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Judges 11:33 And he smote them from Aro'er to the neighborhood of Minnith,
twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a very great slaughter. ...
/n/neighborhood.htm - 8k

Jephthah (26 Occurrences)
... "He smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and
unto the plain of the vineyards [Hebrews `Abel Keramim], with a very great ...
/j/jephthah.htm - 20k

Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... (3) 'abhel keramim, "Abel-cheramim," the Revised Version margin "The meadow of
vineyards," the King James Version "the plain (the King James Version margin ...
/m/meadow.htm - 12k

Aro'er (15 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Judges 11:33 And he smote them from Aro'er to the neighborhood of Minnith,
twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a very great slaughter. ...
/a/aro'er.htm - 10k

Abelcheramim (1 Occurrence)
... a'-bel-ker'-a-mim ('abhel keramim, "meadow of vineyards"): A city mentioned in the
Revised Version (British and American) in Judges 11:33, along with Aroer ...
/a/abelcheramim.htm - 7k

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