A geographical term of frequent occurrence (Josh. 13: 6; Josh. 21: 11; Luke 1: 39, 65), denoting the ridge of hills extending from Jezreel to Beersheba, attaining a maximum elevation of about 3000 feet near Hebron. The hills are sometimes bare but more often covered with herbage and shrubbery; the lower slopes are adapted for the culture of the vine, and the valleys are often very fertile.