Land of Israel

The Land of Israel (Hebrew: ארץ ישראל Eretz Yisrael) is the land that made up the ancient Jewish Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The term has been used by Jews and Christians throughout history. Note that the term "State of Israel" in contrast denotes a particular modern day independent country within the region. See The Land of Israel and the State of Israel.

Dimensions of the Land of Israel

The size of the Promised Land of the Tanakh (or Hebrew Bible referred to also as the "Old Testament" by Christians) encompasses a region that extends from the Nile to the Euphrates. Area known to be included are the modern states of Israel, Lebanon, most of modern-day Syria, and Yesha. Also in this region would be the Sinai Peninsula, which is widely believed to encompass the route of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt.

Related Topics:
Tanakh - Hebrew Bible - Israel - Lebanon - Syria - Yesha - Sinai Peninsula - Exodus - Egypt

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The definition in Ezekiel, describes a much smaller area within the Land of Israel which according to Ezekiel's prophecy, would be allocated in equal portions to the 12 tribes in end times. It has the river Jordan as its eastern border and the Brook of Egypt in the West. It encompasses most of modern Israel, the territories, a small part of modern Egypt, southern Lebanon, and the southwestern tip of Syria.

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Another point of debate for some religious scholars is the consistent reference to the inclusion of "the Land of the Hittites" within the borders. Some view the Hittites as one of the tribes that had settled in Canaan and was conquered by Joshua, while others refer to a greater empire that encompassed most of Central Turkey.

Related Topics:
Hittites - Canaan - Joshua - Turkey

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From Dan to Beersheba

The common Biblical phrase used to refer to the territories actually settled by Israelites (as opposed to theoretical promises) is "from Dan to Beersheba" (or its variant "from Beersheba to Dan"), which occurs in the Biblical verses Judges 20:1, 1 Samuel 3:20, 2 Samuel 3:10, 2 Samuel 17:11, 2 Samuel 24:2, 2 Samuel 24:15, 1 Kings 4:25, 1 Chronicles 21:2, and 2 Chronicles 30:5.

Related Topics:
Dan - Beersheba

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