Biblical References:
Taanath-shiloh is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. The primary reference to Taanath-shiloh is found in Joshua 16:6, which describes the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Ephraim. The verse states: "Then the border went out westward to Michmethath on the north, and turned eastward to Taanath-shiloh, and passed by it on the east of Janoah."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Taanath-shiloh was a town located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The precise location of Taanath-shiloh is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the central hill country of ancient Canaan, near the more well-known site of Shiloh. Shiloh was a significant religious center during the period of the Judges, serving as the location of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the establishment of Jerusalem as the central place of worship.

Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Taanath-shiloh" is thought to derive from Hebrew roots that suggest meanings related to "approach" or "entrance" to Shiloh. This etymology may reflect the town's geographical or strategic significance as a point of access to the religious center of Shiloh.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
While Taanath-shiloh itself is not a major focal point in biblical narratives, its mention in the delineation of tribal boundaries underscores the importance of land inheritance and territorial identity among the Israelites. The division of the Promised Land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs, particularly to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of land was not only a matter of practical settlement but also held deep spiritual significance, as it represented the tangible realization of God's faithfulness and provision for His people.

Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological evidence for Taanath-shiloh is limited, and its exact location remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some researchers have proposed potential sites based on geographical clues from the biblical text and archaeological surveys. However, no definitive identification has been made. The search for Taanath-shiloh continues to be part of broader efforts to understand the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel during the period of the Conquest and Settlement.

Conclusion:
Taanath-shiloh, though briefly mentioned in the biblical record, contributes to the broader understanding of the tribal divisions and settlement patterns in ancient Israel. Its proximity to Shiloh highlights the interconnectedness of the towns and regions within the tribal territories and the central role of Shiloh in the religious life of the Israelites during the early years in the Promised Land.Approach to Shiloh, a place on the border of Ephraim (Joshua 16:6), probably the modern T'ana, a ruin 7 miles south-east of Shechem, on the ridge east of the Mukhnah plain. TAANATH-SHILOH

ta'-a-nath-shi'-lo (ta'-anath shiloh; Codex Vaticanus Thenasa kai Sellesa, Tenathselo): A town on the border of the territory of Ephraim named between Michmethath and Janoah (Joshua 16:6). According to Eusebius, Onomasticon (s.v. "Thena") it lay about 10 Roman miles East of Neapolis, on the road to the Jordan. Ptolemy speaks of Thena, probably the same place, as a town in Samaria (Joshua 16:5). It may be identified with Ta`na, a village about 7 miles Southeast of Nablus. Yanun, the ancient Janoah, lies 2 miles to the South. A Roman road from Neapolis to the Jordan valley passed this way. At Ta`na there are "foundations, caves, cisterns and rockcut tombs" (PEFM, II, 245). This identification being quite satisfactory, the Talmudic notion that Taanath-shiloh was the same place as Shiloh may be dismissed (Jerusalem Talmud, Meghillah, i).

W. Ewing

8387. Taanath Shiloh -- perhaps "approach to Shiloh," a city of ...
Taanath Shiloh. 8386, 8387. Taanath Shiloh. 8388 . perhaps "approach to
Shiloh," a city of Ephraim. Transliteration: Taanath Shiloh ...
/hebrew/8387.htm - 6k

8388. ta'ar -- probably to incline
... probably to incline. Transliteration: ta'ar Phonetic Spelling: (taw-ar') Short
Definition: Taanath-shiloh. Taanath-shiloh A primitive root; to delineate; reflex ...
/hebrew/8388.htm - 5k

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... that this place was different from Shiloh, can find no support from the authority
of Eusebius; it is not said Taanah by Shiloh, but Taanath-Shiloh.) After that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Taanathshiloh (1 Occurrence)
... notion that Taanath-shiloh was the same place as Shiloh may be dismissed (Jerusalem
Talmud, Meghillah, i). W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Taanathshiloh (1 ...
/t/taanathshiloh.htm - 8k

Taanath-shiloh (1 Occurrence)
... Taanathshiloh, Taanath-shiloh. Ta'anath-shi'loh . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Taanathshiloh, Taanath-shiloh. Ta'anath-shi'loh . Reference Bible.
/t/taanath-shiloh.htm - 8k

Taanath (1 Occurrence)
... The border turned about eastward to TaanathShiloh, and passed along it on the
east of Janoah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/t/taanath.htm - 6k

Ta'anath-shi'loh (1 Occurrence)
Ta'anath-shi'loh. Taanath-shiloh, Ta'anath-shi'loh. Taarea . ... The border turned
about eastward to TaanathShiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah. ...
/t/ta'anath-shi'loh.htm - 6k

Janoah (3 Occurrences)
... north. The border turned about eastward to TaanathShiloh, and passed along
it on the east of Janoah. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/j/janoah.htm - 8k

Janohah (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side;
and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on ...
/j/janohah.htm - 7k

Jan-o'ah (3 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 ...
/j/jan-o'ah.htm - 7k

Westward (35 Occurrences)
... north. The border turned about eastward to TaanathShiloh, and passed along
it on the east of Janoah. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS). Joshua ...
/w/westward.htm - 19k

Westwards (6 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 and the border went forth westwards to Micmethath on the north; and
the border turned eastwards to Taanath-Shiloh, and passed by it eastwards to ...
/w/westwards.htm - 8k

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