Topical Encyclopedia
A plateau is a flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side. In biblical times, plateaus were significant for their strategic, agricultural, and pastoral uses. The Bible, while not explicitly mentioning the term "plateau," refers to regions and landscapes that fit this description, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East.
Geographical ContextThe land of Israel and its surrounding regions include several plateaus, which played a crucial role in the history and narratives of the Bible. The Transjordan Plateau, for example, is a prominent feature east of the Jordan River. This area includes the territories of Gilead, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, which are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament.
Biblical References1.
Gilead: The region of Gilead, located on the Transjordan Plateau, is often mentioned in the Bible. It was known for its balm, a valuable resin used for medicinal purposes.
Jeremiah 8:22 asks, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?" This rhetorical question highlights the region's reputation for healing.
2.
Moab and Ammon: These regions, also situated on the plateau, were the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. The Bible recounts various interactions between the Israelites and these nations. In
Deuteronomy 2:9 , God instructs the Israelites, "Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their own."
3.
Edom: Located south of Moab, Edom was another significant plateau region. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The Bible records numerous conflicts between Israel and Edom. In
Obadiah 1:3-4 , the pride of Edom is addressed: "The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD."
Strategic ImportancePlateaus in biblical times were often chosen for settlements due to their defensible positions and fertile lands. The elevated terrain provided a natural fortification against invaders, while the flat expanses were suitable for agriculture and grazing. This strategic advantage is evident in the numerous fortified cities and settlements found on plateaus throughout the biblical narrative.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceThe plateaus of the ancient Near East were not only significant for their physical attributes but also for their cultural and religious implications. They were often sites of worship and altars, as high places were traditionally associated with closeness to the divine. This is reflected in the frequent biblical injunctions against the worship at "high places," which were often located on elevated terrain, including plateaus.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "plateau," the concept is integral to understanding the geographical and historical context of many biblical events and narratives. The plateaus of the ancient Near East provided strategic, agricultural, and religious significance, shaping the lives and accounts of the people in the biblical text.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A flat surface; especially, a broad, level, elevated area of land; a table-land.
2. (n.) An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.
Strong's Hebrew
6152b. Arab -- "a desertplateau," a country East of Isr.... 6152a, 6152b. Arab. 6153 . "a desert
plateau," a country East of Isr.
... Word Origin
from an unused word Definition "a desert
plateau," a country E. of Isr.
...4334. mishor -- a level place, uprightness
... Origin from yashar Definition a level place, uprightness NASB Word Usage fairness
(1), level (2), level place (1), plain (12), plains (1),plateau (2),plateau...
776. erets -- earth, land
... 1), earth's (1), fail* (1), floor (1), ground (119), land (1581), lands (57), lands
have their land (2), open (1), other* (2), piece (1),plateau* (1), region...
6307. Paddan -- the place where Rachel died
... From an unused root meaning to extend; aplateau; or Paddan param {pad-dan' ar-awm'};
from the same and 'Aram; the table-land of Aram; Paddan or Paddan-Aram, a...
Library
The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Hewn out of the solid rock at the extreme margin of the mountain-plateau, he seems
to raise his head in order that he may be the first to behold across the...
In Judaea
... Then he stood on theplateau of Ramah, with the neighbouring heights of Gibeon and
Gibeah, round which so many events in Jewish history had clustered....
The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... Narrow paths lead southwards to a hill near the top of which is an unevenplateau,
some half-hour's journey in circumference, overgrown, like the hill itself...
The Sermon on the Mount.
... The Sermon on the Mount. (Concerning the Privileges and Requirements of the Messianic
Reign. A MountainPlateau Not Far from Capernaum.). Subdivision A....
Philip visits St. Nilus
... The cell which Nilus had built for himself was on the littleplateau in which is
the cleft in the rock where tradition says that Elijah hid himself when he...
A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... The wide Plain of Esdraelon and its eastward extension, the Valley of Jezreel,
cut straight across the centralplateau of Palestine....
Bible Study for Boys
... between seventeen and twenty. Boys do not mature by years. Growth and development
is a jump fromplateau toplateau. This would fit in...
The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into...
... There can be no reasonable doubt as to the locality of that hamlet (the modern
El-Azariye, of Lazarus'), perched on a broken rockyplateau on the other side of...
The Way to the Sea
... But from Har-hat's movement he had meant to continue along thisplateau, out of
sight of Israel, until he had posted part of his army in the way of escape to...
The Nations of the South-East
... conquerors. To the north the territory of Ammon was bounded by theplateau
of Bashan and the Aramaic kingdoms of Gilead. Southward...
Thesaurus
Plateau (13 Occurrences)... land. 2. (n.) An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.
Multi-Version Concordance
Plateau (13 Occurrences). Deuteronomy
...Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... of Gaza and Gerar, and the Neghebh or "dry region" (the south; see Numbers 13:17
the Revised Version (British and American)), including theplateau and low...
Gilead (130 Occurrences)
... Again, along with Bashan, it indicates the land East of Jordan, as distinguished
from the Moabplateau (Deuteronomy 3:10 Joshua 13:11 2 Kings 10:33)....
Shephelah (2 Occurrences)
... It winds its way first in a northeasterly direction, past the Beth-horons, then,
turning to the Southeast, it reaches theplateau at el-Jib, the ancient Gibeon...
Brook (75 Occurrences)
... 2. Description: The Brook of Egypt comes down from theplateau et Tih in the Sinai
peninsula and falls into the Mediterranean Sea at latitude 31 5 North...
Arabia (9 Occurrences)
... those of the Northwest of 4,000 or 5,000, whereas those which are situated near
the middle of the West coast rise to 8,000 feet, and theplateau which forms...
Nob (6 Occurrences)
... Immediately South of the ridge, to the East of the road, there is a smallplateau,
South of which there is a lower ridge, whence the slopes dip into Wady el-Joz...
Jeshimon (6 Occurrences)
... 21:20; 23:28; 1 Samuel 23:19, 24); or rather not a proper name at all, but simply
"the waste" or "wilderness," the district on which theplateau of Ziph (qv...
Ravine (26 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:9 from Aroer, which is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that
is in the midst of the ravine, and all theplateau of Medeba to Dibon, (DBY)....
Euphrates (36 Occurrences)
... The upper division traverses the mountainousplateau of Armenia, and is formed
by the junction of 2 branches, the Frat and the Murad....
Resources
What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Letter of King Abgar to Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Sermon on the Plain? | GotQuestions.orgPlateau: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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