Biblical Reference:
Naaran is mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of the tribal allotments of the Israelites. The specific reference to Naaran is found in 1 Chronicles 7:28: "Their holdings and settlements included Bethel and its villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west."

Location and Geography:
Naaran is identified as a town located in the eastern part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The mention of Naaran alongside Bethel and Gezer suggests its significance within the Ephraimite region. The precise location of Naaran is not definitively known today, but it is generally considered to have been situated near the Jordan Valley, east of Bethel.

Historical Context:
The tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel, was descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. The allocation of land to Ephraim, including Naaran, was part of the broader division of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Joshua. This division was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the inheritance of the land by his descendants.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Naaran, as part of the Ephraimite territory, played a role in the history and development of the northern kingdom of Israel. Ephraim was often seen as a leading tribe, and its territory was central to the political and religious life of the northern kingdom. The mention of Naaran in the genealogical and territorial records underscores the importance of land inheritance and tribal identity in ancient Israel.

Etymology:
The name "Naaran" is believed to be derived from a root meaning "youth" or "young man." This etymology may reflect characteristics or historical associations of the town, although specific details are not provided in the biblical text.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Naaran, the broader region of Ephraim has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies have provided insights into the settlement patterns, material culture, and historical developments of the area during the biblical period.

Related Biblical Themes:
The mention of Naaran in the context of tribal allotments highlights themes of divine promise, covenant, and the fulfillment of God's word to the patriarchs. The distribution of land among the tribes was not only a practical matter but also a theological affirmation of Israel's identity as God's chosen people, entrusted with the stewardship of the Promised Land.

Cross-References:
· Joshua 16:5-10: Describes the boundaries of the territory of Ephraim.
· Genesis 48:17-20: Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, establishing Ephraim's prominence.
· Judges 1:29: Mentions the Canaanites living in Gezer, a nearby town, during the period of the judges.

Naaran, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's tribal history and reflects the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His people.Naaran

(juvenile), a city of Ephraim, which in a very ancient record, (1 Chronicles 7:28) is mentioned as the eastern limit of the tribe. It is very probably identical with Naarath, or more accurately Naarah.

Boyish, juvenile, a town in Ephraim between Bethel and Jericho (1 Chronicles 7:28). NAARAN; NARATH

na'-a-ran, na'-a-rath (na`aran, na`arath). see NAARAH.

5295. Naaran -- a place in Ephraim
... 5294, 5295. Naaran. 5296 . a place in Ephraim. Transliteration: Naaran
Phonetic Spelling: (nah-ar-awn') Short Definition: Naaran. ...
/hebrew/5295.htm - 6kNaaran (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAARAN; NARATH. na'-a-ran, na'-a-rath (na`aran,
na`arath). see NAARAH. Multi-Version Concordance Naaran (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/naaran.htm - 7k

Na'aran (1 Occurrence)
Na'aran. Naaran, Na'aran. Naarath . Multi-Version Concordance Na'aran
(1 Occurrence). ... Naaran, Na'aran. Naarath . Reference Bible.
/n/na'aran.htm - 6k

Naarah (3 Occurrences)
... hai komai auton; Codex Alexandrinus Naaratha; the King James Version Naarath): A
town in the territory of Ephraim (Joshua 16:7). It appears as "Naaran" in 1 ...
/n/naarah.htm - 8k

Naaram (1 Occurrence)

/n/naaram.htm - 6k

Narath
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NAARAN; NARATH. na'-a-ran,
na'-a-rath (na`aran, na`arath). see NAARAH. ...
/n/narath.htm - 6k

Living-places (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:28 Their heritage and their living-places were Beth-el and its
daughter-towns, and Naaran to the east, and Gezer to the west, with its daughter ...
/l/living-places.htm - 12k

Gazah (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:28 And their possession and dwelling-places were Bethel and its
dependent villages, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer and its dependent ...
/g/gazah.htm - 11k

Included (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:28 Their possessions and habitations were Bethel and its towns, and
eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with its towns; Shechem also and its ...
/i/included.htm - 11k

Dwelling-places (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:28 And their possession and dwelling-places were Bethel and its
dependent villages, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer and its dependent ...
/d/dwelling-places.htm - 10k

Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:28 Their heritage and their living-places were Beth-el and its
daughter-towns, and Naaran to the east, and Gezer to the west, with its daughter ...
/d/daughter-towns.htm - 12k

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