Daberath

A biblical town in Israel near Mount Tabor, associated with the border of Zebulun and Issachar and listed as a Levitical town.

At a Glance

Biblical town in northern Israel, near Mount Tabor, associated with Zebulun, Issachar, and the Levites.

Key Points

Description

Daberath is the name of a town in ancient Israel, probably located near Mount Tabor. In the Old Testament it appears in tribal boundary and town lists, being mentioned in relation to Zebulun and Issachar and identified as one of the towns given to the Levites. Scripture treats Daberath primarily as a geographical location within Israel’s inheritance rather than as a doctrinal or theological concept. It is best understood as part of the historical distribution of the land and the provision made for Levitical ministry.

Biblical Context

Daberath appears in the land-allotment material for the tribes and in the lists of Levitical towns. Its biblical significance lies mainly in its place within Israel’s territorial organization and the practical support of the Levites.

Historical Context

The town likely stood on or near the slopes of Mount Tabor in northern Israel. As with many biblical towns, its exact site is not certain, but its inclusion in tribal and Levitical lists shows that it was a recognized settlement in the early history of Israel.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In ancient Israel, towns such as Daberath were part of the covenant land inheritance and the administrative life of the tribes. Levitical towns were especially important because they provided places where Levites could live and serve among the people.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Daberath is a Hebrew place name transliterated into English. The spelling may appear in slightly different forms in Bible references and study tools.

Theological Significance

Daberath has no major doctrinal meaning of its own, but it illustrates the historical reality of Israel’s tribal inheritances and the Lord’s provision for the Levites within the land.

Philosophical Explanation

As a place-name, Daberath reminds readers that biblical revelation is rooted in actual history and geography, not abstract ideas alone. The text preserves concrete locations that help anchor the story of redemption in real space and time.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat Daberath as a theological concept or assign symbolic meaning beyond what the text supports. Its significance is historical and geographical, not doctrinal.

Major Views

There is little interpretive disagreement about the basic identity of Daberath as a town; discussion is mainly about its precise location and archaeological identification.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Daberath should be described as a biblical place name. It should not be turned into a symbolic doctrine, a moral allegory, or a category of biblical teaching.

Practical Significance

Daberath helps readers see how God ordered Israel’s life in the land, including the provision of towns for the Levites and the careful marking of tribal boundaries.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

↑ Top