Atroth-shophan is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Numbers as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Gad. The name "Atroth-shophan" is believed to mean "crowns of Shophan" or "enclosures of Shophan," indicating a place of significance, possibly marked by distinctive geographical or man-made features.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Atroth-shophan is found in Numbers 32:35, where it is listed among the cities built by the tribe of Gad:
"They built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah," (Numbers 32:34-35).

Historical and Geographical Context:

Atroth-shophan is situated in the region east of the Jordan River, an area known as Gilead. This region was characterized by its fertile land and strategic location, making it a valuable possession for the tribes settling there. The tribe of Gad, along with the tribe of Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested this land from Moses because of its suitability for their large herds and flocks (Numbers 32:1-5).

The mention of Atroth-shophan in the context of city-building suggests that it was either a previously existing settlement that was fortified or expanded by the Gadites, or it was a new settlement established by them. The construction of cities in this region was part of the broader effort by the Israelites to secure and inhabit the land promised to them by God.

Theological Significance:

The allocation of Atroth-shophan to the tribe of Gad reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as the tribes were required to assist in the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan before settling in their allotted territories east of the river (Numbers 32:20-22).

Furthermore, the establishment of cities like Atroth-shophan highlights the transition of the Israelites from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled, agrarian society. This shift was crucial for the development of the nation of Israel and its ability to thrive in the land God had given them.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of Atroth-shophan remains uncertain, archaeological efforts in the region of Gilead have uncovered various sites that provide insight into the ancient settlements of the Israelite tribes. These findings contribute to our understanding of the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the early Israelites as they established themselves in the Promised Land.ATROTH-SHOPHAN

at'-roth-sho'fan `Troth shophan; Septuagint gen sophan: A town built or fortified by the children of Gad East of the Jordan (Numbers 32:35), named next to Aroer. If it had been at Khirbet `Attarus or Jebel `Attarus (HDB and EB, under the word) Aroer would hardly have been named between them. The King James Version reads Atroth, Shophah, understanding that two places are named. No identification is yet possible.

5855. Atroth Shophan -- a place in Isr.
Atroth Shophan. 5854, 5855. Atroth Shophan. 5856 . a place in Isr.
Transliteration: Atroth Shophan Phonetic Spelling: (at-roth ...
/hebrew/5855.htm - 6kAtrothshophan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATROTH-SHOPHAN. ... No identification is yet possible.
Multi-Version Concordance Atrothshophan (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/atrothshophan.htm - 7k

Atroth-shophan (1 Occurrence)
Atroth-shophan. Atrothshophan, Atroth-shophan. At'roth-sho'phan . Int. ...
Atrothshophan, Atroth-shophan. At'roth-sho'phan . Reference Bible.
/a/atroth-shophan.htm - 7k

Shophan (1 Occurrence)
... See ATROTH-SHOPHAN. Multi-Version Concordance Shophan (1 Occurrence). Numbers
32:35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah, (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY ...
/s/shophan.htm - 7k

At'roth-sho'phan (1 Occurrence)
... At'roth-sho'phan (1 Occurrence). Numbers 32:35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and
Jogbehah, (See RSV). Atroth-shophan, At'roth-sho'phan. Attach . ...
/a/at'roth-sho'phan.htm - 6k

Jogbehah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jogbehah (2 Occurrences). Numbers 32:35 and Atrothshophan,
and Jazer, and Jogbehah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jogbehah.htm - 7k

Jazer (13 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 32:35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah,
(WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 13:25 Their border ...
/j/jazer.htm - 13k

Jog'behah (2 Occurrences)
... Jogbehah, Jog'behah. Jogli . Multi-Version Concordance Jog'behah (2 Occurrences).
Numbers 32:35 and Atroth-shophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah; (See RSV). ...
/j/jog'behah.htm - 6k

Jogbebah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jogbebah (1 Occurrence). Numbers 32:35
and Atroth-Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbebah, (DBY). ...
/j/jogbebah.htm - 6k

Jaazer (12 Occurrences)
... and Nebo, and Beon, (DBY). Numbers 32:35 And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer,
and Jogbehah, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). Joshua 13:25 And their ...
/j/jaazer.htm - 11k

Atroth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Atroth (2 Occurrences). Numbers 32:35 and Atrothshophan,
and Jazer, and Jogbehah, (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/atroth.htm - 6k

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