Rimmon-methoar is a geographical term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is associated with the delineation of the tribal boundaries of the land allotted to the descendants of Simeon within the larger territory of Judah. The term appears in the context of the description of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon, which was situated in the southern part of the Promised Land.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Rimmon-methoar is found in Joshua 19:13, which states: "From there it passed along to the east of Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and extended to Rimmon, curving around to Neah." . In this passage, Rimmon-methoar is part of the boundary description for the territory of the tribe of Zebulun, not Simeon, indicating a possible textual or translational complexity in the understanding of ancient boundary markers.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Rimmon-methoar" is derived from two Hebrew words. "Rimmon" can mean "pomegranate" or refer to a deity worshiped in ancient Near Eastern cultures, while "methoar" is understood to mean "marked off" or "extended." Thus, Rimmon-methoar could be interpreted as "Rimmon marked off" or "Rimmon extended," suggesting a boundary or landmark associated with the location.

Geographical Context:

Rimmon-methoar is believed to be located in the region that was part of the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun. The exact location of Rimmon-methoar is not definitively known today, as many ancient sites have not been conclusively identified. However, it is generally thought to be in the northern part of the land of Israel, consistent with the tribal allotments described in the Book of Joshua.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Rimmon-methoar in the Bible highlights the importance of land division and tribal inheritance in ancient Israel. The detailed descriptions of boundaries and cities underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land. Each tribe's inheritance was a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness, and the precise delineation of these boundaries was crucial for maintaining order and identity among the tribes of Israel.

In a broader theological context, the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence. The land was not merely a possession but a gift from God, entrusted to the Israelites to steward according to His laws and purposes. The boundaries, including those marked by places like Rimmon-methoar, were part of the divine order established for the nation of Israel.

Conclusion:

While Rimmon-methoar may not be a well-known location today, its mention in the Bible contributes to our understanding of the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel. It serves as a testament to the meticulous care with which God fulfilled His promises to His people, providing them with a land of their own and establishing a framework for their communal and spiritual life.8388. ta'ar -- probably to incline
... Taanath-shiloh A primitive root; to delineate; reflex. To extend -- be drawn, mark
out, (Rimmon-)methoar (by union with Rimmown). see HEBREW Rimmown. ...
/hebrew/8388.htm - 5kRimmon-methoar (1 Occurrence)
Rimmon-methoar. Rimmonah, Rimmon-methoar. Rimmono . Multi-Version
Concordance Rimmon-methoar (1 Occurrence). Joshua ...
/r/rimmon-methoar.htm - 6k

Rimmono (1 Occurrence)

/r/rimmono.htm - 7k

Rimmonah

/r/rimmonah.htm - 6k

Passes (74 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Joshua 19:13 And from thence it passed along eastward to Gath-hepher,
to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon-methoar unto Neah. (See RSV). ...
/p/passes.htm - 28k

Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus