Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Maaleh-acrabbim" translates to "Ascent of the Scorpions" in Hebrew. This name likely reflects the geographical or environmental characteristics of the area, possibly indicating a region known for its scorpions or a difficult ascent. Biblical References: Maaleh-acrabbim is mentioned in the context of territorial boundaries in the Old Testament. It is referenced in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua, which describe the borders of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel. 1. Numbers 34:4 : "Your border will turn from the south to the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and end at Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go to Hazar-addar and continue to Azmon." 2. Joshua 15:3 : "It proceeded southward to the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued to Zin, went up to the south of Kadesh-barnea, and passed to Hezron, up to Addar, and around to Karka." Geographical Location: Maaleh-acrabbim is situated in the southern part of ancient Israel, forming part of the boundary of the land of Judah. It is generally identified with a pass or a series of ascents in the Negev desert, near the modern-day border between Israel and Jordan. The exact location is not definitively known, but it is traditionally associated with the region south of the Dead Sea. Historical and Cultural Context: In the biblical narrative, Maaleh-acrabbim serves as a significant landmark in defining the territorial limits of the Promised Land. The mention of this location underscores the detailed nature of the land allocations among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses and later executed by Joshua. The reference to scorpions in the name suggests a harsh and challenging environment, which is consistent with the arid and rugged terrain of the Negev. This area would have been a formidable natural barrier and a strategic point in the defense and administration of the southern border of Judah. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the delineation of boundaries, including Maaleh-acrabbim, reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land his descendants would inherit (Genesis 15:18-21). It also illustrates the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as the Israelites were tasked with possessing and maintaining the land according to divine instructions. The mention of Maaleh-acrabbim in the context of territorial boundaries serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ordered structure He established for His people. It highlights the significance of the land in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing themes of inheritance, identity, and divine provision. Easton's Bible Dictionary Ascent of the scorpions; i.e., "scorpion-hill", a pass on the south-eastern border of Palestine (Numbers 34:4; Joshua 15:3). It is identified with the pass of Sufah, entering Palestine from the great Wady el-Fikreh, south of the Dead Sea. (see AKRABBIM.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAALEH-ACRABBIMma'-a-la-a-krab'-im, ma-al'-a-. Thesaurus Maalehacrabbim (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAALEH-ACRABBIM. ma'-a-la-a-krab'-im, ma-al'-a-. See AKRABBIM. Multi-Version Concordance Maalehacrabbim (1 Occurrence). ... /m/maalehacrabbim.htm - 7k Maaleh-acrabbim (1 Occurrence) Karkaa (1 Occurrence) Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences) Fetched (26 Occurrences) Maaleh-akrabbim (1 Occurrence) Ma'ai (1 Occurrence) Akrabbim (3 Occurrences) Adar (10 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Maaleh-acrabbim (1 Occurrence)Joshua 15:3 Subtopics Maaleh-Acrabbim: An Acclivity on the Southern Border of the Territory of the Tribe of Judah Related Terms Maaleh-acrabbim (1 Occurrence) |
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