Biblical References:
Taanathshiloh is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It appears in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The primary reference is found in Joshua 16:6.

Scriptural Context:
In the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, Taanathshiloh is noted as a landmark in the delineation of the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The passage in Joshua 16:6 states: "It went on to the sea, and Michmethath on the north; then it turned eastward to Taanathshiloh and passed by it on the east to Janoah."

Geographical Significance:
Taanathshiloh is situated in the central region of ancient Canaan, which corresponds to the modern-day West Bank. Its precise location is not definitively known, but it is believed to be near the ancient city of Shiloh, a significant religious center for the Israelites before the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. The proximity to Shiloh suggests that Taanathshiloh may have held some importance in the tribal and religious landscape of early Israel.

Historical and Theological Insights:
The mention of Taanathshiloh in the context of the tribal boundaries underscores the importance of land inheritance and territorial integrity among the Israelites. The division of the land was seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regarding the inheritance of Canaan. Each tribe's portion was determined by lot, signifying divine providence in the allocation of the land.

Theologically, the reference to Taanathshiloh and other boundary markers highlights the Israelites' transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled existence in the Promised Land. This transition was not merely physical but also spiritual, as it involved the establishment of a society governed by the laws and commandments given by God through Moses.

Cultural and Archaeological Considerations:
While Taanathshiloh itself has not been conclusively identified through archaeological evidence, the broader region has yielded significant findings that illuminate the period of Israelite settlement. Excavations at nearby sites, such as Shiloh, have uncovered remnants of ancient structures and artifacts that provide insight into the religious and daily life of the Israelites during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy.

The cultural context of Taanathshiloh, as part of the Ephraimite territory, reflects the tribe's prominent role in Israel's history. Ephraim, being one of the leading tribes, often played a central role in the political and spiritual affairs of the nation.

Conclusion:
Taanathshiloh, though briefly mentioned, serves as a testament to the intricate process of land division among the tribes of Israel and the fulfillment of divine promises. Its mention in the biblical narrative invites reflection on the themes of inheritance, divine providence, and the establishment of a covenant community in the land of Canaan.Taanathshiloh

(approach to Shiloh), a place named once only -- (Joshua 16:6) --as one of the landmarks of the boundary of Ephraim. Perhaps Taanath was the ancient Canaanite name of the place, and Shiloh the Hebrew name.

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

Taanathshiloh (1 Occurrence)
... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Taanathshiloh (1 Occurrence). Joshua
16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah ...
/t/taanathshiloh.htm - 8k

Taanath-shiloh (1 Occurrence)
Taanath-shiloh. Taanathshiloh, Taanath-shiloh. Ta'anath-shi'loh . ...
Taanathshiloh, Taanath-shiloh. Ta'anath-shi'loh . Reference Bible.
/t/taanath-shiloh.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

Taanath (1 Occurrence)

/t/taanath.htm - 6k

Michmethah (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 ...
/m/michmethah.htm - 8k

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