The West Bank in Biblical Context

1. Introduction

The West Bank—a modern geopolitical term—encompasses a region that holds immense biblical, historical, and theological significance. Much of the territory historically referred to as Judea and Samaria lies within today’s West Bank. It was the site of patriarchal journeys, covenantal events, prophetic ministries, royal cities, and New Testament episodes. This article examines the West Bank’s biblical identity, its key cities, and the theological importance rooted in both Old and New Testament traditions.

2. Definition and Terminology

2.1 Modern Name

  • The term West Bank arose in the mid-20th century to describe the territory west of the Jordan River, administered by Jordan (1948–1967) and Israel (1967–present) under ongoing dispute.

2.2 Biblical Names

  • In biblical times, this region included the tribal territories of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and part of Manasseh.
  • It was often known as Judea (south) and Samaria (central), depending on the historical period and ruling power.

3. Key Biblical Cities and Sites in the West Bank

3.1 Hebron

“Abraham settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron…” — Genesis 13:18

  • One of the oldest cities in Canaan, Hebron is associated with Abraham, Sarah’s burial, and David’s early reign (Genesis 23; 2 Samuel 2:1–4).
  • The Cave of Machpelah is traditionally regarded as the burial site of the patriarchs.

3.2 Shechem

“Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem…” — Joshua 24:1

  • Central to covenant renewal events (Joshua 8, 24), Shechem was also the location of Jacob’s well (John 4:5–6) and closely tied to Joseph’s burial (Joshua 24:32).

3.3 Bethel

“There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” — Genesis 12:8

  • Visited by Abraham and Jacob, Bethel was a major worship site in the northern kingdom (1 Kings 12:28–29), though later criticised by prophets for idolatry.

3.4 Shiloh

“The whole congregation… assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting.” — Joshua 18:1

  • Functioned as Israel’s central sanctuary during the Judges period.
  • The Tabernacle was located here before being destroyed (1 Samuel 1–4; Jeremiah 7:12–14).

3.5 Jericho

“Then the people shouted… and the wall fell down flat.” — Joshua 6:20

  • The first city conquered by Israel after crossing the Jordan.
  • Also associated with Elijah and Elisha’s ministries (2 Kings 2) and Jesus’ healing miracles (Luke 18:35–43).

3.6 Bethlehem

  • Covered separately, Bethlehem is within the West Bank and central to Messianic prophecy and the birth of Jesus (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1).

4. Old Testament Importance

4.1 Patriarchal Journeys

  • The West Bank includes key sites tied to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
  • These regions reflect God’s covenantal promises, land inheritance, and altar building as acts of worship and memory.

4.2 Israelite Settlement and Worship

  • After the conquest of Canaan, much of the land inheritance was within this region (Joshua 14–19).
  • Shiloh became the early religious capital.

5. New Testament Context

5.1 Jesus’ Ministry and Parables

  • While much of Jesus’ ministry occurred in Galilee, he frequently passed through Samaria (John 4:4–42), which today lies within the northern West Bank.
  • He told the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) in direct reference to the area between Jerusalem and Jericho.

5.2 Apostolic and Early Church Roots

  • The early Church remained in Jerusalem, but believers soon spread to Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8; 8:1–5), establishing faith communities in the present-day West Bank.

6. Archaeological and Cultural Evidence

6.1 Ongoing Excavations

  • Sites such as Hebron, Shiloh, and Jericho have yielded remains confirming biblical-era settlement, fortification, and worship structures.
  • Mount Gerizim, near Shechem, continues to be significant for Samaritan worship, providing insight into Second Temple period sectarianism.

6.2 Scrolls and Inscriptions

  • Textual discoveries, including inscriptions and ostraca, provide evidence of Hebrew script, priestly administration, and tribal activity in the region.

7. Theological Significance

7.1 Covenant and Continuity

  • The land of the West Bank symbolises God’s covenant promises, judgment, and hope of restoration (Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 36).
  • These sites reinforce biblical themes of faith, obedience, and divine presence.

7.2 Contested Inheritance

  • Biblically, inheritance of the land is contingent upon faithfulness (Deuteronomy 30).
  • The sacredness of these places transcends political boundaries, connecting Jews, Christians, and Samaritans.

8. Modern Relevance

8.1 Religious Pilgrimage

  • Modern Christian, Jewish, and Muslim pilgrims visit West Bank sites to trace the biblical narrative on the ground.

8.2 Political and Ethical Debate

  • The region’s current status remains disputed, and the use of biblical narratives in support of territorial claims is the subject of theological debate.

9. Conclusion

The West Bank, though a modern term, encompasses the heartland of biblical Israel. Its hills, cities, and valleys bore witness to God’s covenants, the lives of patriarchs and prophets, and the spread of early Christianity. It remains a living landscape where the sacred past continues to shape theological, historical, and geopolitical dialogue.

Key Takeaways

  • The West Bank includes many of the most important biblical locations, such as Hebron, Shiloh, Bethel, and Jericho.
  • It was the core of ancient Israelite settlement, patriarchal journeys, and early Church expansion.
  • Theological themes include inheritance, worship, covenant, and restoration.
  • The area remains central to religious identity and modern debate over land and heritage.

References

  • Genesis 12–50; Joshua 6–24; Judges; 1 Samuel 1–7; John 4; Acts 8
  • Rainey, A. F. & Notley, R. S. (2006). The Sacred Bridge
  • Mazar, A. (1990). Archaeology of the Land of the Bible
  • Brueggemann, W. (2002). The Land
  • Ben-Dov, M. (1985). Historical Atlas of Jerusalem and the Holy Land
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