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H1453 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גְּדֵרֹתַיִם
Gederotayim
Proper Noun
Gederothaim — two sheepfolds

Definition

A town name meaning 'two sheepfolds,' listed in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The dual form suggests either a settlement with two distinct enclosures or a literary device emphasizing abundance of pasturage.

Usage & Theological Significance

The dual 'two sheepfolds' evokes the image of superabundant pastoral provision — not one enclosure for God's flock but two. In the inheritance lists of Joshua, Gederothaim appears among Judah's cities, anchoring the messianic tribe in the land of promise. The doubled image anticipates Ezekiel's vision of the restored Israel feeding in rich pastures on both sides of the river of life. In Christ, the one flock (John 10:16) is gathered from two sheepfolds — Jew and Gentile — into the single, unified people of God. The two sheepfolds become one under the one Shepherd.

Key Bible Verses

Joshua 15:36 Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah and Gederothaim: fourteen cities with their villages.
John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel.
Psalm 95:7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Isaiah 65:10 Sharon shall become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down.

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