Book of Joshua - Chapter 21 - Verse 23

The verse 'And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,' is a reference to the allocation of land within the tribe of Dan as recorded in the Bible. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and each tribe was allotted a portion of land when the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Eltekeh and Gibbethon were two of the cities designated as part of the inheritance for the tribe of Dan. These cities, along with their surrounding suburbs, were to be given to the tribe of Dan for their possession. The distribution of land among the tribes was a significant aspect of the Israelite culture, and it played a crucial role in establishing boundaries, defining territories, and ensuring fairness and equity among the tribes. This verse serves as a historical record of the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, as outlined in the book of Joshua.

One interesting aspect of the verse mentioning the cities Eltekeh and Gibbethon is the significance of the names themselves. Eltekeh can be translated as "God's deception" or "God's fraud," leading to theological questions about the role of deception in biblical narratives. Some scholars suggest that the name may reflect the idea of God using deception as a means to achieve his purposes, as seen in stories like the deception of Jacob by Laban. On the other hand, Gibbethon is thought to mean "mound" or "hill," which could symbolize stability and strength. In a theological context, these names could point to the idea that even in moments of deception or challenges, God's presence provides a solid foundation for his people. Additionally, the mention of these cities within the context of the tribe of Dan raises questions about the tribe's significance in Israelite history and the theological implications of their settlements in the land of Canaan.