Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, landmarks were physical markers used to designate property boundaries. These markers were often stones or other durable objects placed at the corners or edges of a field or piece of land. The concept of landmarks is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice, property rights, and community integrity.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible explicitly addresses the importance of respecting landmarks in several passages, emphasizing the moral and legal implications of moving or altering them. In
Deuteronomy 19:14 , it is commanded: "You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors in the inheritance you will receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess." This verse underscores the sanctity of property boundaries as established by previous generations and highlights the divine mandate to respect them.
Similarly,
Deuteronomy 27:17 pronounces a curse on those who tamper with these markers: "Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone." This curse reflects the seriousness with which God views the integrity of property lines and the potential for injustice when they are violated.
Proverbs 22:28 also advises, "Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors." This wisdom literature reinforces the idea that landmarks are not merely physical objects but are tied to the heritage and stability of the community.
Cultural and Legal SignificanceIn ancient Israel, landmarks were crucial for maintaining order and fairness in society. They were not only practical tools for delineating property but also served as symbols of trust and respect among neighbors. Moving a landmark was considered an act of theft and deception, as it could unjustly expand one's property at the expense of another's rightful inheritance.
The legal system in Israel, as outlined in the Mosaic Law, was designed to protect the rights of individuals and families. Land was a significant part of God's covenant with Israel, and each tribe and family had specific portions allocated to them. Respecting landmarks was, therefore, a matter of upholding God's covenantal promises and ensuring that each family retained its God-given inheritance.
Spiritual ImplicationsBeyond their physical and legal importance, landmarks carry spiritual implications. They serve as reminders of God's provision and faithfulness. The land was a gift from God, and maintaining the boundaries He established was an act of obedience and reverence. In a broader sense, landmarks can be seen as metaphors for the moral and spiritual boundaries set by God. Just as physical landmarks should not be moved, believers are called to uphold the spiritual truths and principles laid out in Scripture.
Contemporary ApplicationWhile the physical act of moving a landmark may not be as prevalent today, the principles behind these biblical commands remain relevant. In a modern context, respecting boundaries—whether physical, moral, or relational—continues to be a vital aspect of living in accordance with biblical teachings. The integrity and respect for others' rights and properties are timeless values that reflect the heart of God's law.
In summary, landmarks in the Bible are more than mere boundary markers; they are integral to understanding God's justice, the sanctity of property, and the importance of community integrity. The biblical injunctions against moving landmarks serve as a powerful reminder of the need to respect and uphold the boundaries established by God and society.
ATS Bible Dictionary
LandmarkFences and walls seem to have been little used in Judea,Mark 2:23, though gardens were sometimes inclosed. The ancient and permanent limits, therefore, of individual property in the open field,Ruth 2:3, were marked by trees or heaps of stones at the corners; and as it was easy, by removing these, to encroach on a neighbor's ground, a peculiar form of dishonesty arose, requiring a severe punishment, De 19:14Proverbs 22:28Hosea 5:10.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A boundary line indicated by a stone, stake, etc. (
Deuteronomy 19:14;
27:17;
Proverbs 22:28;
23:10;
Job 24:2). Landmarks could not be removed without incurring the severe displeasure of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Any conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide; some prominent object, as a hill or steeple.
2. (n.) A mark to designate the boundary of land; any , mark or fixed object (as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones) by which the limits of a farm, a town, or other portion of territory may be known and preserved.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LANDMARKland'-mark (gebhul, literally, "boundary"): The boundary may have been marked, as at present, simply by a furrow or stone. The iniquity of removing a landmark is frequently insisted on (Deuteronomy 19:14;Deuteronomy 27:17Proverbs 22:28;Proverbs 23:10Job 24:2 gebhulah), its removal being equivalent to theft.
Strong's Hebrew
1366. gebul -- border, boundary, territory... border, bound, coast, great,
landmark, limit, quarter, space.
... The territory inclosed --
border, bound, coast, X great,
landmark, limit, quarter, space.
...1367. gebulah -- border, boundary
... border, bound, coast,landmark. Or (shortened) gbulah {gheb-oo-law'}; feminine of
gbuwl; a boundary, region -- border, bound, coast,landmark. Place....
Library
Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha...
... They forgot thislandmark when they enacted so many constitutions, so many canons,
and so many dogmatical decisions, without sanction from the word of God....
The Lame Man at the Temple Gate.
... Although this miracle was followed by consequences so serious as to make it alandmark
in the history of those early days of the Church, it was not itself the...
In Judaea
... Zeitg. p.26). Opposite to it were the graves of Bilhah and of Dinah (cp34). Only
five miles from Jerusalem, this pillar was, no doubt, a well-knownlandmark....
Home-Example.
... Hence the parental example may lead the child to happiness or to ruin. "Lo! thou
art alandmark on a hill; thy little ones copy thee in all things....
Epistle vii. --To Philemon, a Presbyter.
... For it is written, "Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour'slandmark, which thy fathers
have placed." [846]. Footnotes: [843] Of Sixtus, bishop of Rome. [ad 257]....
The Lamp and the Bushel
... no doubt they could see some village perched upon a ridge for safety, with its white
walls gleaming in the strong Syrian sunlight; alandmark for many a mile...
The Hexapla, and the Hexaplaric and Other Recensions of the...
... In this matter it was well, he urged, to bear in mind the precept of Proverbs
22:28, "Remove not the ancientlandmark, which thy fathers have set." The same...
The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is...
... And the record of the raising of Lazarus may serve as alandmark between our Summary
of the Parables and that of the Discourses and Events which preceded the...
The Story of the Tower of Babel
... And they said, "Come, let us build us a city, and a tower whose top will touch the
heavens, and thus make alandmark, that we may not be scattered over all the...
Faustus Seeks to Bring into Ridicule the Orthodox Claim to Believe...
... Him, as if it was not enough to name God, without adding whose God He is"Abraham's,
namely, and Isaac's and Jacob's; as if Abraham were alandmark to steer...
Thesaurus
Landmark (5 Occurrences)...LANDMARK. land'-mark (gebhul, literally, "boundary"): The boundary may have been
marked, as at present, simply by a furrow or stone.
...Landmark (5 Occurrences).
...Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... more probable. (1) En-rogel was an importantlandmark on the boundary between
Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:16). Here...
En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... more probable. (1) En-rogel was an importantlandmark on the boundary between
Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:16). Here...
Neighbour's (30 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor'slandmark, which they of old
time have set, in thine inheritance which thou shalt inherit, in the land...
Neighbor's (31 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 19:14 You shall not remove your neighbor'slandmark, which they of old
time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that...
Boundary (83 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour'slandmark, which they of
old time have set, in thine inheritance which thou shalt inherit, in the land...
Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences)
... It was rather a historiclandmark than a reign; but its year, 597 BC, was important
as the date of the first deportation of Jewish captives to Babylon (unless...
Landmarks (1 Occurrence)
Landings (1 Occurrence)
Field (390 Occurrences)
... In all references occurs "the conduit of the upper pool, in the highway of the fuller's
field"; this must have been a well-knownlandmark at Jerusalem in the...
Resources
What is Landmarkism? What is “Baptist Bride” theology? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some English words that have changed in meaning since the translation of the KJV? | GotQuestions.orgLandmark: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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