Mich-me'thath is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the allotment of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Mich-me'thath is found in Joshua 16:6, which describes the border of the tribe of Ephraim. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the border went out westward to Michmethath on the north, and the border turned eastward to Taanath-shiloh, and passed by it on the east of Janoah."

Geographical Context:

Mich-me'thath is situated in the northern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The precise location of Mich-me'thath is not definitively known today, but it is understood to be in the region that was central to the land of Canaan, likely near the modern-day West Bank. The description in Joshua suggests that it was a significant landmark used to delineate tribal borders.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Mich-me'thath, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. The division of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it signified the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant. Each boundary and landmark, including Mich-me'thath, played a role in defining the inheritance of the tribes, which was crucial for maintaining order and identity among the Israelites.

Theologically, the allocation of land to the tribes, including the reference to Mich-me'thath, underscores the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises. It also highlights the importance of obedience and the need for the Israelites to adhere to God's commands in order to fully enjoy the blessings of the land.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While Mich-me'thath itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeology, the study of ancient Israelite settlements and boundaries provides valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the biblical narrative. The delineation of tribal territories reflects the social and political organization of ancient Israel and offers a glimpse into the life and governance of the Israelite community during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

In summary, Mich-me'thath serves as a geographical marker within the biblical account of the division of the Promised Land, contributing to our understanding of the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel.Mich-me'thath (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 16:6
And the border went out westward, Mich-methath being on the north; and the border turned about eastward unto Taanath-shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah.
(See RSV)

Joshua 17:7
And the border of Manasseh was, beginning from Asher, Michmethath, which is before Shechem; and the border went along to the right hand, unto the inhabitants of En-tappuah.--
(See RSV)

Mich-me'thath (2 Occurrences)
Mich-me'thath. Mich-methath, Mich-me'thath. Michri . Multi-Version
Concordance Mich-me'thath (2 Occurrences). Joshua 16:6 And the ...
/m/mich-me'thath.htm - 7k

Mich-methath (1 Occurrence)
Mich-methath. Michmethath, Mich-methath. Mich-me'thath . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Michmethath, Mich-methath. Mich-me'thath . Reference Bible.
/m/mich-methath.htm - 6k

Michri (1 Occurrence)

/m/michri.htm - 7k

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