Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Thamnatha, also known as Timnath or Timnah, is a location mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is associated with several significant biblical events and figures, particularly in the narratives concerning the tribes of Israel and the judges. Thamnatha is situated in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan, although it is also linked to the tribe of Judah in certain contexts. Biblical References: 1. Judges 14:1-2 : "Samson went down to Timnah and saw a young Philistine woman there. So he returned and told his father and mother, 'I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as a wife.'" This passage highlights Thamnatha as the setting for the beginning of Samson's interactions with the Philistines, which play a crucial role in his life and the narrative of his judgeship. 2. Joshua 15:57 : "Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah—ten cities, along with their villages." Here, Thamnatha is listed among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, indicating its geographical and tribal significance. 3. Joshua 19:43 : "Elon, Timnah, and Ekron." In this verse, Thamnatha is mentioned as part of the territory of the tribe of Dan, suggesting its location on the border between the lands of Judah and Dan. Historical and Geographical Context: Thamnatha is believed to have been located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands. This area was strategically important due to its proximity to Philistine territories, which often led to conflicts and interactions between the Israelites and the Philistines. Cultural and Theological Significance: Thamnatha's role in the account of Samson is particularly noteworthy. Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah sets off a chain of events that lead to his eventual downfall and the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression. This narrative underscores themes of divine sovereignty, human weakness, and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The mention of Thamnatha in the allotments of both Judah and Dan reflects the complex tribal dynamics and territorial disputes in ancient Israel. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in settling and maintaining their promised inheritance. Archaeological Insights: Modern archaeological efforts have identified several potential sites for ancient Thamnatha, with Tel Batash being a prominent candidate. Excavations at Tel Batash have revealed evidence of a fortified city that aligns with the biblical descriptions of Thamnatha, providing insights into the material culture and historical context of the region during the period of the Judges. Conclusion: While Thamnatha may not be as frequently mentioned as other biblical locations, its role in the narratives of Samson and the tribal allotments highlights its importance in the history and theology of ancient Israel. The city's strategic location and its association with key biblical events make it a subject of interest for both biblical scholars and archaeologists. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia THAMNATHAtham'-na-tha. Library Prepositions, 89-98 A Means to Discern this Imperfect Love. Thesaurus ThamnathaThamnatha. Thammuz, Thamnatha. Than . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia THAMNATHA. tham'-na-tha. See TIMNATH. Thammuz, Thamnatha. Than . ... /t/thamnatha.htm - 6k Timnah (12 Occurrences) Timnath-serah (2 Occurrences) Timnathserah (2 Occurrences) Thammuz Than (5474 Occurrences) Pharathon Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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