### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Baʻal Châtsôwr**, represented by `{{H1178}}`, is a proper name for a location, meaning **possessor of a village**. It appears **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, identifying a specific place in Palestine known as **Baal-hazor**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H1178}}` is as the setting for a significant event orchestrated by Absalom. In this narrative, Baal-hazor, located beside Ephraim, is the site where Absalom's **sheepshearers** `{{H1494}}` were working. This occasion, occurring after two full **years** `{{H8141}}`, served as the reason for Absalom to **invite** `{{H7121}}` all the **king's** `{{H4428}}` **sons** `{{H1121}}` to a gathering [[2 Samuel 13:23]]. The place itself is simply the backdrop for this royal assembly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of the gathering at Baal-hazor is illuminated by several key words from the verse:
* `{{H1494}}` **gazâz** (to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy): This word describes the sheepshearing activity that provided the pretext for the gathering [[2 Samuel 13:23]]. It is also used figuratively, as when the Lord declares that even many quiet enemies shall be **cut down** [[Nahum 1:12]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to... invite, mention, (give) name, preach): Absalom "invited" the king's sons. This same word is used for a divine summons, as in the command to **call** upon the Lord [[Jeremiah 33:3]], and to describe the name by which the Messiah will be **called** [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word identifies the attendees as the king's sons. The term is fundamental to identity and lineage, from Jonathan being Saul's **son** [[1 Samuel 23:16]] to the Israelites being the **sons** of Jacob [[Malachi 3:6]].
### Theological Significance
While Baal-hazor itself carries no explicit theological weight, the event that occurs there is rich with thematic undertones found in the associated words:
* **An Ominous Gathering:** The stated purpose is sheepshearing, using the word **gazâz** `{{H1494}}`. However, this root's dual meaning of shearing and destroying an enemy foreshadows that such an assembly can conceal a destructive purpose, as seen when it is used for cutting off people in judgment [[Nahum 1:12]].
* **A Human Summons:** The invitation by Absalom, using **qârâʼ** `{{H7121}}`, stands as a human parallel to a divine call. While God calls his people to seek him [[Isaiah 55:6]] and proclaim liberty [[Isaiah 61:1]], this verse shows the word used to gather individuals for a worldly, and potentially dangerous, purpose.
* **The Assembly of the King's Sons:** The gathering of the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of the **king** `{{H4428}}` is central. This event involving earthly royalty contrasts with the high theological use of these terms elsewhere, where God is the ultimate **King** [[Isaiah 44:6]] and a "son is given" who is called the "everlasting Father" [[Isaiah 9:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1178}}` **Baʻal Châtsôwr** is a place name whose significance is derived entirely from its single appearance in scripture. It is not the location but the event hosted there that carries meaning. The verse [[2 Samuel 13:23]] uses a collection of common words—shearing, inviting, sons—that have deeper resonances throughout the Bible, illustrating how an ordinary agricultural festival can become the setting for a moment of critical importance in the royal history of Israel.
TRV