The ancient land of Judah, was a tiny but important kingdom in Bible history. it was located in the southern part of the region once known as Canaan. Its landscape was chiseled into rugged hills and valleys, with its capital, Jerusalem, planted on top of a high plateau.
Judah’s southern border pushed into what is now Egypt, about 100 miles (160 km) from Jerusalem. But the liveable area stopped at Beersheba. Negev wasteland made up the rest of the territory. Judah’s people stayed mostly in the hills and foothills, about 25 miles wide.
Saved by the hills
The hills of Judah helped keep the people alive because that's where most of them lived.
One main reason the people of Judah lived in the hills was for defense. The elevated positions of hilltop settlements offered natural fortification against invading armies and hostile neighbors driving war chariots—the fear-factor equivalent of a tank.
This strategic advantage was particularly vital here because the region was frequently embroiled in conflicts. Assyrians, Babylonians, and other groups sought control of the fertile lands of Canaan and the best land bridge between Africa and the north.
Settlements like Jerusalem not only served as religious and administrative centers but also stood as strongholds that could better withstand sieges.
Land of vineyards and olive trees
Additionally, the hill country provided a suitable environment for agriculture, especially for vineyards and olive groves, which thrived in the dry, rocky soil. The elevation allowed for better drainage and cooler temperatures, which were beneficial for these crops.
The herder lifestyle among the hills also enabled shepherds to raise sheep and goats, which were integral to their economy and culture.
Spirit of the hill country
The hills fostered a spiritual connection to the land. Many Bible stories talk about people seeking God and gods on the mountains and high places.
Judah's geography affected the physical and spiritual landscapes of its people. Hills of Judah were vital to the kingdom's agricultural practices, military strategies, and cultural identity. The people were able to survive the hard times and maintain a link to their heritage as the people of God.
Where to find more Bible maps
The Casual English Bible® has more than 900 Bible maps, many in 3D style. You can search for maps by place name, such as "Sea of Galilee."
Dedicated Bible map search engine
But you can also search for maps by Bible book, such as searching for all the maps in the book of Joshua. In addition, you can search by country, region, or era on a timeline, such as when Israel had kings or when Jesus was on earth. Here's a link to the dedicated Map Search Engine.
