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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Judea
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First so-called as a "province" of Persia (; ; ; ). On the return from Babylon the Jews, besides Judah, included large portions of Benjamin, Levi, Ephraim, and Manasseh (; -9; -36; ; "Israel," ; ; ; ; ), and many whose pedigree could not be found. The number twelve was retained in the sin offerings, as though all the tribes were represented (; ). The amalgamation began when Jeroboam's idolatry drove the godly of northern Israel to Judah, again it took place under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30-33). Anna was of Asher (); Paul of Benjamin (); Barnabas of Levi (). The "twelve tribes" appear ; .
Judea is strictly the region W. of Jordan, S. of Samaria (though "beyond Jordan" is vaguely included in it , and Galilee ). The village Anuath marked its northern boundary (Josephus, B. J., iii. 3, section 5), Jardan its southern boundary: comprising the territory of Judah, Dan, Simeon, and Benjamin, 100 miles long, 60 broad. Upon the deposition of the ethnarch Archelaus, A.D. 6, Judaea was ruled by a procurator subject to the governor of Syria; he resided at Caesarea on the coast. Judea was little frequented by our Lord, except Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Bethany (compare for the reason in part). Jeremiah's prophecy () is fulfilled; "the cities of Judaea" are "a desolation without inhabitant," the vine-clad terraces and grainfields have only left their traces behind, ruins alone abound, and the scenery has but little beauty.