Misrephoth-maim
Misrephoth-maim is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Phoenicia in modern-day Israel. Known today as Litani River. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Misrephoth-maim appears twice in Scripture, both times in the book of Joshua. Following the Israelite victory over the coalition of northern Canaanite kings at the Waters of Merom, Joshua and his forces pursued the fleeing enemy "as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim" (Joshua 11:8), marking the northwestern extent of their pursuit along the Phoenician coast. The name appears again in Joshua 13:6, where God tells the aging Joshua that the land remaining to be conquered includes the territory of the Sidonians "from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth-maim." The name itself means "burning of waters" or "hot springs," possibly referring to lime kilns, salt pans, or thermal springs near the coast. Misrephoth-maim thus served as a boundary marker between Israelite-controlled territory and the unconquered Phoenician coastal lands to the north. Its mention in the pursuit narrative demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Joshua's victory over the northern coalition led by Jabin of Hazor, while its appearance in the unconquered territory list reminds readers that the full promise of the land remained only partially fulfilled.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
The identification of Misrephoth-maim remains uncertain, with several proposals advanced by scholars. The most common identification associates it with Khirbet el-Musheirefeh, located near the mouth of the Litani River on the Lebanese coast, north of Rosh HaNikra. The name Musheirefeh preserves a linguistic echo of Misrephoth. Other scholars have identified it with the hot springs at Hammat near the coast south of Tyre, consistent with the meaning "burning of waters." The area near Rosh HaNikra features dramatic white chalk cliffs and geological formations where the mountains meet the sea. Archaeological surveys of the coastal region have documented various settlement remains, but no definitive identification has been established. The border region between modern Israel and Lebanon preserves the geographical character described in Joshua's accounts.
Verse Appearances (2)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →