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◄ Mount Ephron►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mount Ephron is a geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Mount Ephron is found inJoshua 15:9, which describes the boundary lines of the tribe of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron and went down to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim)." This passage situates Mount Ephron within the delineation of Judah's territory, indicating its significance in the demarcation of tribal lands.

Geographical Context:

Mount Ephron is part of the mountainous region of Judah, which is characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic highlands. The precise location of Mount Ephron is not definitively known today, as it is not prominently featured in other historical or archaeological records. However, its mention alongside other identifiable locations such as the spring of Nephtoah and Kiriath-jearim provides some context for its general vicinity within the Judean landscape.

Historical and Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the delineation of tribal boundaries, including the mention of Mount Ephron, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation with defined territorial claims.

Theologically, the division of the land and the specific mention of locations like Mount Ephron highlight the importance of land in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The land is not merely a physical inheritance but also a symbol of divine blessing, provision, and the realization of God's promises.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:

Mount Ephron, like many other geographical features in the Bible, serves as a marker of identity and heritage for the people of Israel. It represents a tangible connection to their ancestral past and the divine narrative that shapes their history. The mountains and high places in biblical literature often carry symbolic meanings, representing places of encounter with God, refuge, and spiritual significance.

In summary, while Mount Ephron is a relatively obscure location in the biblical text, its inclusion in the territorial descriptions of Judah reflects the broader themes of divine promise, covenant fulfillment, and the establishment of Israel's identity in the land of Canaan.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Mount Ephron

The "cities of Mount Ephron" formed one of the landmarks on the northern boundary of the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:9)

Library

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... The Essenes ofMount Horeb had, however, another holy relic in the cave of Elijah;
nothing less... They did not remain long at Mara, but moved later toEphron....

The Death of Abraham
... How far away the heaviness of heart when he journeyed toMount Moriah with his boy...
Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field ofEphron, the son...

References
... RevilleJN II.229 places the first of them early. 56. The sermon on themount.... 67.
Ephraim, (John 11:54) is generally identified with theEphron of II. Chron....

The Immaculate Conception
... I saw much ofMount Horeb on this occasion, but have forgotten it... the Apostles at
Jacob's well, thereafter teaching and healing in Sychar,Ephron, round Jericho...

Chapter xlix
... speaks in the third person about him (KS344 m), "my couch did hemount" "a statement...
with my fathers in the cave which is in the field ofEphron, the Hittite...

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Lebanon becomes white and ice-crowned in winter, but none of its peaks rises to
the altitude of perpetual snows: the highest of them,Mount Timarun, reaches...

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested...
... viz., I. The Book of Ruth 2.The History of Samson III. Christ's Sermon on
theMount IV.... CHRIST'S SERMON ON THEMOUNT. MATTHEW, CHAP. V....

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles...
... THE DESCENT: FROM THEMOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION INTO THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION AND...
Most modern writers identify it with the Ephraim, orEphron, of 2 Chronicles...