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We Begin By Clearing Up Confusion

From Canaan to Contemporary Palestine: The Evolution of a Land’s Identity

The land known throughout history by various names such as Canaan, the Holy Land, Israel, and later Palestine, has a rich biblical and historical significance that has evolved over millennia. Its identity and the people who inhabited it have undergone substantial transformations, influenced by conquests, migrations, and changes in governance.

Canaan to Israel

In biblical times, the region was known as Canaan, a land inhabited by Canaanites before the Israelite conquest under Joshua. Following this conquest, the land became known as Israel, named after the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob, also named Israel. This period marked the establishment of the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, and later, the divided kingdoms of Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom). The identity of the land during this era was distinctly tied to the Israelite people and their covenant relationship with God.

From Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire

The conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century B.C.E. introduced Hellenistic influences to the region. Following Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the Seleucid control over the area. The Maccabean Revolt (167-160 B.C.E.) against Hellenistic decrees that suppressed Jewish practices led to the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty, a period of Jewish autonomy.

The Roman conquest of the region in 63 B.C.E. marked the beginning of Roman rule, which saw the renaming of Judea to Palaestina by Emperor Hadrian in 135 C.E., after the Bar Kokhba revolt. This was a strategic move to diminish Jewish association with the land, using the name of the ancient Philistines, historical enemies of the Israelites, hence “Palestine.”

The Palestine of Today

The modern concept of Palestine, particularly post-20th century, is often associated with the Arab-Muslim population residing in the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, following the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli conflicts. This contemporary understanding is shaped by political, social, and territorial disputes that have arisen in the context of modern nation-states and nationalistic movements.

Distinctions from Biblical and Historical Palestine

The Palestine of today, under Muslim governance in certain areas, is distinguished from the biblical land of Canaan, the Holy Land, or ancient Israel by several factors:

Religious Heritage: The biblical land was central to Jewish religious identity, given by God to Abraham and his descendants. Today’s Palestine is predominantly Muslim, with significant Christian and Jewish populations, reflecting the diverse religious heritage of the region.
Political Boundaries: Ancient geopolitical boundaries were defined by tribal territories and later kingdoms, unlike the modern boundaries shaped by colonial, international mandates, and contemporary political agreements.
Cultural Identity: The cultural identity of ancient inhabitants was deeply tied to the Hebrew language, Jewish religion, and customs. In contrast, the current Palestinian identity encompasses a broader Arab-Muslim culture with its own unique heritage, language (Arabic), and customs influenced by centuries of various rulers and civilizations.

While the land’s geography remains constant, its name, the people who inhabit it, and their cultural, religious, and political identities have transformed significantly over time. The modern state of affairs, with its complex interplay of history, religion, and politics, reflects a distinct chapter in the land’s long and multifaceted history, different from its biblical and ancient past. Let’s be very clear: the Holy Land, the Promised Land, was given to Abraham, Israel, and the entirety of it today should still belong to them.

Origins and Etymology

Palestine, located at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, was historically inhabited by the nation of Israel. The name “Palestine” originates from the Latin “Palaestina” and Greek “Palaistine,” derived from the Hebrew “Pelesheth,” which refers to the territory of the Philistines along the coastal region (Exodus 15:14; Psalms 60:8; Isaiah 14:29). By the fifth century B.C.E., writers like Herodotus expanded the term to encompass the entire area known as “the land of Canaan” or “the land of Israel,” a region promised by Jehovah to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18; Deuteronomy 9:27, 28), hence also known as the Promised Land or the Land of Promise (Hebrews 11:9). In later periods, it became commonly referred to as the Holy Land.

Geographic Significance

Strategically positioned as a nexus between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Palestine historically served as a vital corridor linking the ancient empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome (Ezekiel 5:5). This “land bridge” facilitated the flow of caravan trade routes through the Fertile Crescent, connecting the Nile and Euphrates rivers and making Palestine a key territory amid vast deserts to its east and south, and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to its west.

Landscape and Natural Resources

The region’s boundaries are not precisely defined but are generally considered to stretch from the southern end of the Dead Sea to the southeastern corner of the Mediterranean in the south, and from the southern slopes of Mount Hermon to near the city of Tyre in the north. Spanning approximately 240 km (150 mi) from “Dan to Beersheba” (1 Samuel 3:20; 2 Samuel 3:10), Palestine encompasses an area of about 25,500 square kilometers (9,850 square miles), making it comparable in size to Belgium or the state of New Hampshire in the U.S.A.

‎Palestine from the raised map constructed from the surveys of the Palestine Exploration Fund by George Armstrong Esq. Secretary to the Fund.

A Land of Diversity and Beauty

Despite its relatively small size, Palestine boasts a rich diversity of landscapes, from fertile plains to rugged hills and valleys, contributing to its historical allure and strategic importance. Its position within the Fertile Crescent endowed it with valuable natural resources and a pleasant climate, further enhancing its desirability among ancient civilizations.

Today, the term “Palestine” broadly refers to this historic region, evoking its deep biblical significance, rich cultural heritage, and pivotal role in the history of the ancient Near East. Its strategic location and natural beauty made it a coveted land throughout history, embodying a unique blend of geographic importance and spiritual legacy.

The Geographical Composition of Ancient Palestine

Coastal Plains and Mountain Ranges

Ancient Palestine, located at the Mediterranean’s eastern edge, was characterized by its diverse topography, starting with the fertile coastal plains along the sea. These plains were divided by the Mount Carmel Range, creating the northern Plain of Asher or Phoenicia and the southern plains of Sharon and Philistia, the latter stretching wider towards the south.

North and Central Palestine at the Time of the Ministry of Christ, c. 29-33 C.E.

Adjacent to these coastal plains were the country’s central mountain ranges, serving as Palestine’s backbone. The north featured the mountains of Naphtali, extending from the Lebanon ranges, with Mount Hermon as a notable peak reaching 2,814 meters (9,232 feet). The Galilee region, with elevations varying significantly, transitioned into the Jezreel Valley or Esdraelon. This central plain, pivotal in biblical history for its battles, was dissected into the eastern low plain of Jezreel and the western valley plain of Megiddo.

Further south, the Carmel Range connected to the mountains of Ephraim or Samaria, home to significant peaks like Gerizim and Ebal. This range seamlessly transitioned into the mountainous region of Judah, dotted with notable cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron, before gradually blending into the Negeb, a parched region extending to the torrent valley of Egypt.

The Shephelah and Arabah

West of the Judean mountains lay the Shephelah, a series of hills interspersed with valleys that provided passage from the coastal plains to the highlands. This area, predominantly used for grazing, contributed to the diverse ecological zones within Palestine.

The Arabah, a part of the great Rift Valley, represented a significant geological feature, dividing the land longitudinally. Stretching from Syria in the north to the Gulf of ʽAqaba at the Red Sea, the Arabah showcased a dramatic landscape with its deep cleft flanked by mountain ranges.

The Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea

The Rift Valley’s descent from Mount Hermon’s foothills to the Hula Basin and further down to the Sea of Galilee, situated approximately 210 meters (700 feet) below sea level, exemplifies the region’s unique topographical features. The Jordan Valley, or the Ghor, marked a significant depression in the landscape, leading down to the Dead Sea, the earth’s lowest surface point at around 400 meters (1,300 feet) below sea level.

The geography of ancient Palestine, from its fertile coastal plains and formidable mountain ranges to the dramatic descent of the Arabah and the unique features of the Jordan Valley, contributed significantly to the region’s historical and cultural development. This diverse topography not only influenced the agricultural and economic activities of its inhabitants but also played a crucial role in the biblical narratives and the strategic military engagements documented throughout history.

Diverse Geography and Climate of Ancient Palestine

The Arabah and Eastern Territories

South of the Dead Sea, the Rift Valley stretches an additional 160 kilometers (100 mi) to the Gulf of ʽAqaba, known as the Arabah proper (Deuteronomy 2:8). Midway, it reaches approximately 200 meters (650 ft) above sea level, marking the highest point in this expansive desert terrain.

To the east of the Jordan River lies the fourth distinct geographic area of Palestine, characterized by rolling hills and tablelands. This region extends about 100 kilometers (60 mi) east of the Sea of Galilee and narrows to around 40 kilometers (25 mi) in the south before merging into the arid landscapes of the Arabian Desert. The land of Bashan in the north, with an average elevation of 600 meters (2,000 ft), transitions into the Gilead region to the south, where elevations can reach 1,000 meters (3,300 ft). Mount Nebo, situated in the territory once held by the Ammonites and bordering the land of Moab to the south, stands over 800 meters (2,630 ft) high.

Preservation of Geographic Names

The ancient Hebrew names of many locations have been obscured over centuries, particularly following Arab occupation from 638 C.E. onwards. However, the linguistic affinity between Arabic and Hebrew allows for the accurate identification of certain biblical sites today. Common Arabic and Hebrew geographic terms often provide clues to the locations of significant biblical events.

Varied Climatic Conditions

Palestine’s climate is as varied as its geography, ranging from snow-capped Mount Hermon to the scorching heat of the Dead Sea region. This diversity results in a broad spectrum of climatic conditions across a relatively small geographic area. The central mountain range and Mediterranean breezes keep temperatures moderate, with Jerusalem experiencing mild winters and warm, but not excessively hot, summers.

Rainfall and Agricultural Impact

Annual precipitation varies significantly across Palestine, with coastal areas receiving about 38 centimeters (15 inches) of rain and higher elevations receiving up to twice that amount. Conversely, the Negeb, the lower Jordan Valley, and the Dead Sea region experience desert conditions with minimal rainfall. The timing of rainfall is crucial for agriculture, with the “early” rains in autumn preparing the ground for winter crops and the “late” rains in spring supporting their growth.

The Role of Dew

During the rainless summer months, heavy dew provides essential moisture for vineyards and pastures, compensating for the lack of rainfall. This natural irrigation system, particularly vital in the Negeb and Gilead’s uplands, is facilitated by moisture-laden breezes from the Mediterranean and Mount Hermon. The significance of dew in these regions cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in sustaining vegetation and agriculture throughout the dry season.

The geographical and climatic diversity of ancient Palestine, from its fertile plains and towering mountains to its arid deserts and varied rainfall patterns, contributed significantly to the region’s agricultural practices and the daily lives of its inhabitants. This intricate interplay between land and climate shaped the historical narrative and cultural development of the biblical lands.

Flora, Fauna, and Natural Resources of Ancient Palestine

The Diverse Array of Plant Life

Ancient Palestine’s landscape was a marvel of biodiversity, hosting approximately 2,600 varieties of plants, as noted by botanists. This remarkable diversity was largely due to the region’s varied altitudes, climates, and soil types, allowing a wide range of flora to thrive. From the alpine cold to the desert heat, each area boasted its unique plant life, with species ranging from the hot-weather palms to the cold-resistant oaks and pines, and from streamside willows to desert tamarisks.

The Shulammite likened her shepherd lover’s locks to date clusters

The papyrus, a large aquatic plant from which paper was made

The almond tree is one of the earliest fruit-bearing trees to bloom in Israel. Its nutty fruit is a delicacy

One of the many balsam plants that produces an aromatic oil

Flax plant, which is used in making linen

The mandrake, of the potato family, bears a yellowish fruit about the size of a plum

The land was celebrated for its cultivated vineyards, olive groves, and fig orchards, alongside fields of wheat, barley, and millet. Other cultivated crops included peas, beans, lentils, eggplants, onions, cucumbers, as well as cotton and flax. While modern visitors might find the landscape stark outside of spring, the ancient land, at its prime, resembled a lush garden described as “the garden of Jehovah,” abundant and “flowing with milk and honey” (Genesis 13:10; Exodus 3:8; Numbers 13:23, 24; Deuteronomy 8:7-9).

Abundant Animal Life

The fauna of park-like ancient Palestine was as varied as its flora, richer in the past than today. Once home to lions, bears, wild bulls, and hippopotamuses, the contemporary wildlife includes wolves, wild boars, wildcats, jackals, hares, and foxes. Domesticated animals such as sheep, goats, cows, horses, asses, and camels were and continue to be common. Presently, the region is estimated to host about 85 different mammal species, 350 bird species, and 75 reptile species.

Valuable Natural Resources

Beyond its fertile lands and diverse ecosystems, Palestine’s terrain harbored valuable natural resources. Its mountains contained significant iron and copper deposits (Deuteronomy 8:9), essential for the development and sustainment of ancient societies. While precious metals like gold, silver, tin, and lead were not native and had to be imported, the region was rich in salt deposits and clay beds in the Jordan Valley, crucial for the brick, pottery, and foundry industries (1 Kings 7:46). Additionally, Palestine offered excellent limestone for construction and dark basalt, prized for its hardness and fine texture, essential for building and crafting.

Conclusion

The geographical and ecological diversity of ancient Palestine played a pivotal role in its historical development and cultural richness. From the verdant gardens and cultivated fields to the abundant wildlife and valuable underground resources, the land supported a thriving civilization, deeply interconnected with its natural environment. This symbiosis between the people and their land is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient societies, which managed to flourish in a landscape of such contrasting extremes.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).