Taanach

Taanach, a Canaanite city allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, later designated as a Levitical city (Josh. 12:21; 17:11; 21:25).

Taanach, also known as Aner, was a Canaanite city located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Manasseh (Josh. 12:21; 17:11). However, the Manassites did not drive out the Canaanites from Taanach, and instead put them to forced labor (Judg. 1:27). Taanach was later designated as a Levitical city given to the Kohathite clan (Josh. 21:25; 1Chr. 6:70). The city is mentioned in the song of Deborah as the site of a battle against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera (Judg. 5:19). It was also included in the administrative district overseen by Baana, one of Solomon's twelve officers (1Kgs. 4:12). The strategic location of Taanach, near the intersection of important trade routes, made it a significant city in the region.

A sandy place, an ancient royal city of the Canaanites, on the south-western border of the plain of Esdraelon, 4 miles south of Megiddo. Its king was conquered by Joshua (12:21). It was assigned to the Levites of the family of Kohath (17:11-18; 21:25). It is mentioned in the song of Deborah (Judg. 5:19). It is identified with the small modern village of Ta’annuk.