Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Timnathserah, also known as Timnath-heres, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the inheritance of the tribes of Israel. It is most notably associated with Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, who led the conquest of Canaan. Biblical References: Timnathserah is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as the inheritance given to Joshua himself. According to Joshua 19:49-50 , "When they had finished distributing the land into its territories, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the city he had asked for—Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he rebuilt the city and settled there." Location and Significance: Timnathserah is located in the hill country of Ephraim, a central region in the land of Israel. This area was part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes descended from Joseph. The allocation of Timnathserah to Joshua underscores his leadership and the fulfillment of God's promises to him. It served as a personal inheritance for Joshua, who had faithfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Historical and Archaeological Insights: The exact location of Timnathserah is debated among scholars, but it is generally identified with the modern site of Khirbet Tibnah, located northwest of the city of Ariel in the West Bank. Archaeological findings in the area have provided insights into the settlement patterns during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, although definitive evidence linking the site to Joshua remains elusive. Cultural and Theological Context: In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the allocation of land was a significant act, symbolizing God's covenantal promises to the patriarchs and their descendants. Joshua's receipt of Timnathserah highlights his role as a faithful servant of God and a leader who brought the people into the land promised to their forefathers. Theologically, it represents the reward for obedience and the fulfillment of divine promises. Legacy and Tradition: Timnathserah is traditionally considered the burial place of Joshua. Joshua 24:30 states, "And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash." This tradition underscores the lasting legacy of Joshua as a central figure in Israel's history, whose leadership and faithfulness were instrumental in the establishment of the Israelite nation in Canaan. Conclusion: While Timnathserah may not be as frequently mentioned as other biblical locations, its association with Joshua and its role in the narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land make it a site of considerable historical and theological importance. Smith's Bible Dictionary Timnathserah(portion of abundance), the name of the city which was presented to Joshua after the partition of the country, (Joshua 19:50) and in "the border" of which he was buried. (Joshua 24:30) It is specified as "in Mount Ephraim on the north side of Mount Gaash." In (Judges 2:9) the name is altered to TIMNATH-HERES. The latter form is that adopted by the Jewish writers. Accordingly, they identify the place with Kefar-cheres , which is said by Jewish travellers to be about five miles south of Shechem (Nablus). No place with that name appears on the maps. Another identification has, however been suggested by Dr. Eli Smith. In his journey from Jifna to Mejdel-Yaba , about six miles from the former he discovered the ruins of a considerable town. Opposite the town was a much higher hill, in the north side of which are several excavated sepulchres. The whole bears the name of Tibneh . Easton's Bible Dictionary Remaining portion, the city of Joshua in the hill country of Ephraim, the same as Timnath-heres (Joshua 19:50; 24:30). "Of all sites I have seen," says Lieut. Colossians Conder, "none is so striking as that of Joshua's home, surrounded as it is with deep valleys and wild, rugged hills." Opposite the town is a hill, on the northern side of which there are many excavated sepulchres. Among these is the supposed tomb of Joshua, which is said to be "the most striking monument in the country." It is a "square chamber with five excavations in three of its sides, the central one forming a passage leading into a second chamber beyond. A great number of lamp-niches cover the walls of the porch, upwards of two hundred, arranged in vertical rows. A single cavity with a niche for a lamp has been thought to be the resting-place of the warrior-chief of Israel." The modern Kefr Haris, 10 miles south-west of Shechem. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TIMNATH-SERAHtim-nath-se'-ra (timnath cerach; Codex Vaticanus Thamarchdres; Codex Alexandrinus Thamathsara): This place, assigned as an inheritance to Joshua, is described as being in Mt. Ephraim, on the north side of the mountain of Gaash (Joshua 19:50; Joshua 24:30). Here, when his work was done, the great leader was laid to rest. The mountain of Gaash unfortunately cannot be identified. Josephus says that Joshua was buried at Thamna, a city of Ephraim (Ant., V, i, 29), which probably corresponds to Thamna, the head of a Jewish toparchy (BJ, III, iii, 5). Vespasian marched from Thamnatha to Lydda, which apparently was near (IV, viii, 1). The place was taken and reduced to slavery by Cassius (Ant., XIV, xi, 2). It was put in charge of John the Essene at the beginning of the Jewish war (BJ, II, xx, 4). Eusebius, Onomasticon (s.v. "Thamna" and "Thamnathsara") identifies it with "Timnath" of Genesis 38:12 the King James Version, placing it in the mountain in the tribe of Dan (or Judah), on the way from Diospolis (Lydda) to Jerusalem. The tomb of Joshua was still shown there. This points to Tibneh, in the uplands 12 miles Northeast of Lydda. South of the village, in the face of a rock, are a series of rock-hewn tombs, the largest of which, containing 14 loculi, and a small chamber behind with one loculus, may be that associated with Joshua by Eusebius, Onomasticon. A giant oak grows hard by perhaps the greatest tree in Palestine. Kefr Ishu`a, "village of Joshua," lies about 3 miles to the East. This identification is now generally accepted. Thesaurus Timnathserah (2 Occurrences)... only surviving. W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Timnathserah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:50 According to the commandment of Yahweh ... /t/timnathserah.htm - 10k Timnath-serah (2 Occurrences) Timnath (9 Occurrences) Serah (5 Occurrences) E'phraim (146 Occurrences) Ga'ash (4 Occurrences) Gaash (4 Occurrences) Tim'nath-he'res (1 Occurrence) Rebuilt (47 Occurrences) Ephraim (168 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Timnathserah (2 Occurrences)Joshua 19:50 Joshua 24:30 Subtopics Related Terms Tim'nath-se'rah (2 Occurrences) |
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