Maralah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Reference:
Maralah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is referenced as a landmark within the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Zebulun.

Scriptural Citation:
Joshua 19:11 : "Their border went up westward to Maralah, and reached Dabbesheth, and extended to the brook east of Jokneam."

Geographical Context:
Maralah is identified as a location within the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The description of its borders in Joshua 19:11 places Maralah in the western part of Zebulun's territory. The exact location of Maralah is not definitively known today, but it is understood to be in the region that is part of modern-day northern Israel.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Joshua, was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Each tribe received a specific portion of land, and these allocations were significant for establishing the identity and heritage of the tribes. Maralah, as part of Zebulun's inheritance, contributed to the tribe's role and presence in the Promised Land.

Tribal Context:
Zebulun was one of the six tribes descended from Leah, Jacob's first wife. The tribe played a significant role in the history of Israel, known for its warriors and its strategic location, which facilitated trade and interaction with other regions. The mention of Maralah in the delineation of Zebulun's borders underscores the importance of clearly defined tribal territories in maintaining order and fulfilling divine promises.

Theological Implications:
The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Each location, including Maralah, serves as a reminder of the divine orchestration in the history of Israel. The precise recording of these boundaries in Scripture highlights the importance of land and heritage in God's plan for His people.

Archaeological Insights:
While Maralah's exact location remains uncertain, ongoing archaeological efforts in the region continue to provide insights into the ancient settlements and geographical markers of biblical times. These efforts help to illuminate the historical context of the biblical narrative and the lived experiences of the tribes of Israel.

Conclusion:
Maralah, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's tribal inheritance. Its inclusion in the biblical record reflects the meticulous care with which the land was apportioned among the tribes, serving as a testament to God's providence and the enduring legacy of His covenant with Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Maralah

sleep; a sacrifice of myrrh; ascension

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Maralah

(trembling) one of the land marks on the boundary of the tribe of Zebulun. (Joshua 19:11)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Trembling, a place on the southern boundary of Zebulun (Joshua 19:11). It has been identified with the modern M'alul, about 4 miles south-west of Nazareth.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MARALAH

mar'-a-la (mar`alah; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Maragelda; Codex Alexandrinus Marila): A place on the western border of Zebulun (Joshua 19:11). Peshitta renders Ramath ta`le', "height of the fox." It is not identified.

Strong's Hebrew
4831. Maralah -- a place on the border of Zebulun
... 4830, 4831. Maralah. 4832 . a place on the border of Zebulun. Transliteration:
Maralah Phonetic Spelling: (mar-al-aw') Short Definition: Maralah. ...
/hebrew/4831.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Maralah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MARALAH. ...Maralah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:11 Their
border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. ...
/m/maralah.htm - 7k

Marah (4 Occurrences)

/m/marah.htm - 8k

Jokneam (5 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:11 Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to
Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. ...
/j/jokneam.htm - 9k

Jok'ne-am (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:11 And their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to
Dabbesheth; and it reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. (See RSV). ...
/j/jok'ne-am.htm - 7k

Ravine (26 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Joshua 19:11 Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached
to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. (See NIV). ...
/r/ravine.htm - 14k

Extended (40 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV NAS). Joshua 19:11 Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and
reached to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. (See NIV) ...
/e/extended.htm - 17k

Dabbesheth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dabbesheth (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:11 Their border
went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. ...
/d/dabbesheth.htm - 7k

Dab'besheth (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:11 And their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to
Dabbesheth; and it reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. (See RSV). ...
/d/dab'besheth.htm - 6k

Dabbasheth (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:11 And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to
Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam; (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/d/dabbasheth.htm - 6k

Maran (1 Occurrence)

/m/maran.htm - 6k

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Marah: The First Station of the Israelites, where Moses Made the Bitter Waters Sweet
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