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H146 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַדָּר
Addar
Noun, proper place name
Addar; wide; great; threshing floor

Definition

The Hebrew place name Addar (H146) appears in Numbers 34:4 and Joshua 15:3 as a landmark defining the southern boundary of the Promised Land for the tribe of Judah. The location is in the Negev region near Kadesh Barnea.

The site is also known as Hazar-addar (H2692), "enclosure of Addar," suggesting it was an enclosed settlement or fortified area in the desert boundary region.

Usage & Theological Significance

Boundary markers in the Old Testament are more than geographical — they are covenantal. The borders given to Israel in Numbers 34 were the specific dimensions of God's land grant, the territory promised to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:18-21). Every landmark, including Addar, was a covenant stake.

The precision of these boundaries testifies to God's faithfulness: the same God who "set the boundaries of the peoples" (Deuteronomy 32:8) and "apportioned the nations" according to His purposes had also carved out a specific inheritance for His people — a foretaste of the eternal inheritance promised in Christ (1 Peter 1:4).

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 34:4 Your boundary will turn south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it will go to Hazar-Addar and over to Azmon.
Joshua 15:3 It went out to the south of the Scorpion Pass, continued on to Zin and went over to the south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it ran past Hezron up to Addar and curved around to Karka.
Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples.
Genesis 15:18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land."
1 Peter 1:4 An inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.

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