A. Geographical Information
1. The district is made of eolene limestone which separates the Shephelah
from the Hill Country, composed of cenomanian limestone
2. The separation between the two types of limestone is by a line of cinonian chalk |
B. Historical Information
1. It was granted as part of the inheritance of Israel - Deuteronomy 1:7
2. Several kings in the Anti-Gibeonite League were from the Shepelah - Joshua 9:1; 10:28-34
3. Taken by Joshua - Joshua 10:40; 12:8
4. Part of the area given to Judah - Judges 1:9; Joshua 15:33
5. David appointed a supervisor over the sycamore and olive trees - I Chronicles 27:28
6. Solomon planted sycamore trees - I Kings 10:27; II Chronicles 1:15; 9:27
7. Developed by Uzziah - II Chronicles 26:10
8. Taken by the Philistines in the days of Ahaz - II Chronicles 28:18
9. Rebuilt in the return from Babylon - Nehemiah 11:29-30
10. In the inter-testamental period it was occupied by Edomites who were later forced to
convert to Judaism
11. In the Prophets: Micah 1:10-16; Obadiah 19
12. The Shephelah was cut through by five valleys which led to Jerusalem and so the cities
along these valleys were often fortified:
a. The Valley of Ayalon
(1) Gezer
(2) Ayalon
(3) Beth Horon
b. The Valley of Sorek
(1) Timna
(2) Zorah
c. The Valley of Elah
(1) Socoh
(2) Azekah
d. The Valley of Zephathah (Beth Guvrin)
(1) Mareshah
(2) Moresheth Gath
e. The Valley of Lachish - Lachish |
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