Biblical Hebrew Forum

["George Athas" <gathas AT mail.usyd.edu.au>]

> > I think it is only fair to accept the reality that in the 20th century, 
> > well
> > before the founding of the State of Israel  in 1948, the world at large 
> > used
> > the term "Palestine" throughout to refer to the territory in question. So 
> > I
> > see no valid reason for offense at this use of the term.
>
> I also have no problem with the term "Palestine" that was in use for this 
> area
> from the 2nd to the 20th century.

Herodotus also used it (eg, 1:105). It is a very ancient term which has only 
taken on a
different political slant in the late 20th century. I do not find it 
offensive or
politically loaded, though I can see how others might. Other suggestions:

- Cisjordan & Transjordan
- Southern Levant

George Athas
 Dept of Semitic Studies,
 University of Sydney
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tel Dan Inscription Website
http://members.xoom.com/gathas/teldan.htm
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
< gathas@ mail.usyd.edu.au >