Shepham is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers, as part of the territorial boundaries of the Israelites. It is referenced in the context of the land allocations for the tribes of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Shepham is found in Numbers 34:10-11, where it is described as part of the eastern boundary of the land that the Israelites were to inherit. The passage reads:

"For your eastern boundary, you are to draw a line from Hazar-enan to Shepham, and from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain. Then the boundary will go down and reach the slope east of the Sea of Chinnereth." (Numbers 34:10-11)

Geographical Context:

Shepham is situated in the context of the eastern border of the land of Canaan, which the Israelites were to possess. The exact location of Shepham is not definitively known today, as it is not identified with any modern site. However, it is understood to be part of the delineation of the land that was to be divided among the tribes of Israel, indicating its significance in the demarcation of tribal territories.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Shepham, along with other geographical markers, underscores the importance of land inheritance in the biblical narrative. The delineation of boundaries was a critical aspect of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land that their descendants would inherit. The precise description of borders, including locations like Shepham, reflects the care with which God instructed the Israelites to divide the land, ensuring that each tribe received its allotted inheritance.

In a broader theological context, the boundaries serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The land was not merely a physical inheritance but also a symbol of the spiritual relationship between God and His people. The detailed instructions for the division of the land highlight the order and structure that God intended for the nation of Israel as they settled in the Promised Land.

Cultural and Archaeological Considerations:

While Shepham itself has not been identified archaeologically, the study of biblical geography and ancient Near Eastern history provides insights into the broader region. The mention of Shepham in the biblical text contributes to our understanding of the territorial organization of ancient Israel and the significance of land in the biblical worldview.

In summary, Shepham is a biblical location that plays a role in the description of Israel's territorial boundaries as outlined in the Book of Numbers. Its mention highlights the importance of land inheritance in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Shepham

(fruitful), a place on the eastern boundary of the promised land. (Numbers 34:10,11)

A treeless place, Numbers 34:10, 11: "The coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah." SHEPHAM

she'-fam (shepham; Sepphamar): A place, probably a hill town, on the ideal eastern boundary of Israel, named in Numbers 34:10, but omitted in Ezekiel 47:15-18. It lay between Hazar-enan and Harbel (Massoretic Text: "Hariblah"), which must have been in the neighborhood of Hermon. The word means a "naked" place, and doubtless indicates one of the barer midway ridges of Anti-Lebanon. It was probably the native place of Zabdi the Shiphmite, who was David's chief vine-gardener (1 Chronicles 27:27).

8221. Shepham -- a place on the E. border of Isr.
... 8220, 8221. Shepham. 8222 . a place on the E. border of Isr. Transliteration:
Shepham Phonetic Spelling: (shef-awm') Short Definition: Shepham. ...
/hebrew/8221.htm - 6k

8225. Shiphmi -- inhab. of Shepham
... inhab. of Shepham. Transliteration: Shiphmi Phonetic Spelling: (shif-mee') Short
Definition: Shiphmite. Word Origin from Shepham Definition inhab. ...
/hebrew/8225.htm - 6k

8223. Shapham -- a Gadite
... Word Origin from the same as Shepham Definition a Gadite NASB Word Usage Shapham
(1). Shapham. Formed like Shpham; baldly; Shapham, an Israelite -- Shapham. ...
/hebrew/8223.htm - 6k

What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
... to omit other authors. The Samaritan interpreter renders the word Shepham,
Numbers 34:10, by Apamia with Ain. (Note Shin changed ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 68 what is to.htm

Shepham (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A treeless place, Numbers 34:10, 11: "The coast shall
go down from Shepham to Riblah.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEPHAM. ...
/s/shepham.htm - 7k

Limit (115 Occurrences)
... the north. (BBE WBS). Numbers 34:10 And on the east, your limit will be
marked out from Hazar-enan to Shepham, (BBE). Numbers 34:11 ...
/l/limit.htm - 36k

Eastward (72 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS). Numbers 34:10 And ye have marked out for yourselves for the border
eastward, from Hazar-Enan to Shepham; (YLT). Numbers 34 ...
/e/eastward.htm - 30k

Boundary (83 Occurrences)
... north border. (See RSV NIV). Numbers 34:10 "'You shall mark out your east
border from Hazar Enan to Shepham; (See RSV NIV). Numbers 34 ...
/b/boundary.htm - 30k

Border (233 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Numbers 34:10 "'You shall mark out your east
border from Hazar Enan to Shepham; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/b/border.htm - 40k

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)
... Numbers 34:11 and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side
of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach to the side of the ...
/k/kinnereth.htm - 8k

Riblah (12 Occurrences)
... Numbers 34:11 and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side
of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach to the side of the ...
/r/riblah.htm - 14k

Enan (9 Occurrences)
... Numbers 34:10 "'You shall mark out your east border from Hazar Enan to Shepham;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Ezekiel ...
/e/enan.htm - 9k

Eastern (22 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Numbers 34:10 And ye shall mark out for you as eastern border
from Hazar-enan to Shepham: (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 4:19 ...
/e/eastern.htm - 14k

Designate (7 Occurrences)
... be at Zedad: (WBS). Numbers 34:10 And ye shall designate your east border
from Hazar-enan to Shepham: (WBS). Joshua 20:2 "Speak to ...
/d/designate.htm - 8k

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