Definition and Description:
Table-land refers to a flat, elevated area of land, often characterized by a relatively level surface and significant elevation above the surrounding terrain. In biblical contexts, table-lands are often associated with regions that provide strategic advantages, fertile grounds for agriculture, and grazing lands for livestock. These elevated plains are typically found in areas where the terrain rises sharply, creating a natural plateau.

Biblical References and Significance:
Table-lands are not explicitly named in the Bible, but the concept is present in various descriptions of the geography of the ancient Near East. The land of Canaan, for example, includes several elevated regions that could be considered table-lands. These areas were significant for their agricultural potential and strategic military importance.

1. Gilead and Bashan:
The regions of Gilead and Bashan, located east of the Jordan River, are examples of table-lands in the biblical narrative. Known for their fertile soil and lush pastures, these areas were highly valued for their agricultural productivity and were often contested territories. In Deuteronomy 3:10, the Bible describes the conquest of these regions: "We captured all the cities of the plain and all Gilead and all Bashan as far as Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan."

2. The Hill Country of Ephraim and Judah:
The central highlands of Ephraim and Judah can also be considered table-lands. These regions provided natural fortifications and were central to the life and history of the Israelites. The elevated terrain offered protection from invaders and was a key factor in the establishment of cities such as Jerusalem. In Joshua 20:7, the Bible mentions the designation of cities of refuge in these highlands: "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah."

3. Moabite Plateau:
The Moabite Plateau, located east of the Dead Sea, is another example of a table-land. This region was known for its rich pastures and was home to the Moabites, a people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The plateau's strategic location made it a significant area for trade and military campaigns. In Numbers 21:20, the Bible describes the Israelites' journey through this region: "And from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland."

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient times, table-lands were crucial for sustaining large populations due to their agricultural potential. The flat, elevated terrain allowed for the cultivation of crops and the grazing of livestock, which were essential for the sustenance and economic stability of the communities that inhabited these areas. Additionally, the strategic advantage provided by the elevation made table-lands desirable locations for settlements and fortifications.

Theological Implications:
The table-lands in biblical narratives often symbolize God's provision and blessing. The fertile lands and strategic locations reflect the abundance and security that God promised to His people. The conquest and settlement of these regions by the Israelites are seen as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty over the land.

Conclusion:
While the term "table-land" is not directly used in the Bible, the concept is integral to understanding the geography and history of the biblical world. These elevated plains played a significant role in the life of the Israelites and their neighbors, serving as centers of agriculture, trade, and military activity. The table-lands underscore the themes of divine provision and the fulfillment of God's promises throughout the biblical narrative.(n.) A broad, level, elevated area of land; a plateau.6307. Paddan -- the place where Rachel died
... From an unused root meaning to extend; a plateau; or Paddan param {pad-dan' ar-awm'};
from the same and 'Aram; the table-land of Aram; Paddan or Paddan-Aram, a ...
/hebrew/6307.htm - 6k

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9
... Cyrus in Bactriana and in the eastern regions of the Iranian table-land -- The
impression produced on the Chaldaean by his victories; the Jewish exiles ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 9/title page.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4
... to neighbouring powers-Lebanon, Anti-Lebanon, the valley of the Orontes and of the
Litany, and surrounding regions: the northern table-land, the country about ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 4/title page.htm

Palm Branches.
... The beauty consists in this, that you then burst at once on the two great ravines
which cut the city off from the surrounding table-land. * * * *. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xviii palm branches.htm

Ranee Khet Mission.
... mela. The place may be described as a rough table-land, with an elevation
of from 6,200 to 7,000 feet above the level of the sea. ...
/.../chapter xxii ranee khet mission.htm

The Schoolboy of Madaura
... At last, upon a piece of tableland, Madaura comes into view, all white in the midst
of the vast tawny plain, where to-day nothing is to be seen but a mausoleum ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the schoolboy of madaura.htm

The Way to the Sea
... At points the table-land advanced within sight of the water; at other localities
an intervening space of several miles lay between it and the sea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

Further Journeying About Galilee.
... If so, the second miracle at Cana explains the devotion of Joanna to Jesus. Herod's
capital was at Sephoris, on an elevated tableland not far from Capernaum. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvii further journeying about galilee.htm

November the Tenth Nevertheless!
... Always, in the realm of the Spirit, the dogged "nevertheless" will lead to the
"shining tableland to which our God Himself is moon and sun.". ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/november the tenth nevertheless.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... Have you caught the idea, and do you see there afar off upon the lofty top, not
everlasting snows, but a pure crystal table-land, crowned with a gorgeous city ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

The Centurion
... More than twenty miles from Capernaum, on a tableland overlooking the wide, beautiful
plain of Esdraelon, lay the village of Nain, and thither Jesus next bent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 32 the centurion.htm

Tableland (8 Occurrences)
...Tableland (8 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 3:10 All the towns of the table-land and
all Gilead and Bashan as far as Salecah and Edrei, towns of the kingdom of Og in ...
/t/tableland.htm - 8k

Table-land (8 Occurrences)
Table-land. Tableland, Table-land. Table-lands . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(See JPS). Tableland, Table-land. Table-lands . Reference Bible.
/t/table-land.htm - 9k

Moabites (26 Occurrences)
... It is a high tableland, averaging some 3,000 ft. above the level of the
Mediterranean and 4,300 ft. ... The tableland is fertile but lacks water. ...
/m/moabites.htm - 28k

Moab (162 Occurrences)
... It is a high tableland, averaging some 3,000 ft. above the level of the
Mediterranean and 4,300 ft. ... The tableland is fertile but lacks water. ...
/m/moab.htm - 62k

Features (3 Occurrences)
... the East of the Jordan-Dead Sea-Arabah depression, to the whole of which the name
Ghaur (Ghor) is applied by the Arabs, is a great table-land sloping gradually ...
/f/features.htm - 12k

Med'eba (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:9 from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of Arnon, and the city
that is in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land from Medeba unto ...
/m/med'eba.htm - 7k

Aro'er (15 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:9 from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of Arnon, and the city
that is in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land from Medeba unto ...
/a/aro'er.htm - 10k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... This name is applied to the Jordan valley as far north as Succoth. (5.) Hebrews
mishor, "level ground," smooth, grassy table-land (Deuteronomy 3:10; 4:43 ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

Syria (73 Occurrences)
... The range then breaks down into the rounded hills of Upper Galilee (3, 500 ft.),
extends through the table-land of Western Palestine (2, 500 ft.), and in the ...
/s/syria.htm - 60k

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