the same as גּוּר; Gur, a place in Palestine; Gur.
Transliteration:Gûwr
Pronunciation:goor
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1483}}` (Gûr) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its meaning is directly linked to its etymological root, the verb `{{H1481}}` (gûr), which carries the primary sense of "to sojourn," "to dwell as a stranger," or "to reside temporarily." A secondary, yet significant, semantic range of `{{H1481}}` includes "to dread" or "to fear," often in the context of being a stranger in a foreign land, hence feeling apprehension or insecurity. Therefore, the place name "Gur" could semantically imply a "place of sojourning" or potentially a "place of fear/dread," depending on the context and the nuances intended by the original namers. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific location, but its underlying etymology enriches its potential connotations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Gur (`{{H1483}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a critical narrative concerning the downfall of the Omride dynasty:
* [[2 Kings 9:27]]: "But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu pursued him there and said, 'Strike him down in his chariot.' And they struck him down on the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo and died there."
In this sole occurrence, Gur is precisely located as "the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam." This geographical marker pinpoints the location where King Ahaziah of Judah, an ally of the wicked King Joram of Israel (son of Ahab), was fatally wounded by Jehu's forces. Jehu's divinely sanctioned purge of the house of Ahab extended to Ahaziah due to his familial ties and alliance with the condemned dynasty. The "ascent of Gur" thus becomes a place of judgment and inescapable pursuit. Its position near Ibleam and on the route to Megiddo indicates a strategic location in the Jezreel Valley region, a significant area for military engagements and historical events in ancient Israel. The mention of an "ascent" (מַעֲלֵה, maʿăleh) suggests a rising path or hill, potentially making escape more difficult for Ahaziah's chariot.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root `{{H1481}}` (gûr), from which `{{H1483}}` (Gûr) is derived. This connection highlights the potential for the place name to carry the connotations of "sojourning" or "fear." Other related concepts stem from the narrative context:
* **Flight and Pursuit:** The scene depicts Ahaziah's desperate flight and Jehu's relentless pursuit, leading to his demise.
* **Divine Judgment:** The events surrounding Jehu's anointing and actions represent God's judgment against the idolatry and wickedness of the Omride dynasty and its allies.
* **Geographical Markers:** The mention of Ibleam and Megiddo helps to situate Gur within the broader geography of ancient Israel, particularly the Jezreel Valley, a region often associated with battles and decisive events.
* **Kingship and Dynasty:** The narrative is deeply embedded in the succession and judgment of kings, particularly the end of one wicked line and the rise of another (Jehu).
### Theological Significance
As a specific geographical location, Gur does not possess inherent theological significance in the manner of a theological concept or a divine attribute. However, its singular appearance in the biblical narrative imbues it with a contextual theological weight:
1. **Place of Divine Retribution:** "The ascent of Gur" serves as the precise location where God's judgment, executed through Jehu, reached King Ahaziah. It marks a point of no return for the king, signifying the inescapability of divine wrath against those aligned with wickedness.
2. **Symbol of Failed Escape:** For Ahaziah, Gur was not a place of refuge or sojourning (in the sense of peaceful dwelling), but rather a place of fatal encounter. If the name "Gur" subtly evokes "fear" or "sojourning" (as in a temporary, insecure stay), it ironically underscores Ahaziah's desperate and ultimately failed attempt to find safety from Jehu's pursuit. His "sojourning" on this ascent was brief and led to his death.
3. **Historical Marker of Covenant Faithfulness:** The narrative in [[2 Kings 9]] as a whole, in which Gur plays a role, underscores God's active involvement in human history, fulfilling His word and executing justice upon those who transgress His covenant. The specific naming of the location adds a layer of historical veracity and precision to this divine action.
### Summary
`{{H1483}}` (Gûr) is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel, an "ascent" situated near Ibleam. Derived from the verb `{{H1481}}` meaning "to sojourn" or "to fear," the name may subtly convey connotations of temporary dwelling or apprehension. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 9:27]] marks the precise spot where King Ahaziah of Judah was mortally wounded by Jehu's forces. While a simple geographical marker, "the ascent of Gur" holds theological significance as the site of divine judgment, illustrating the inescapable nature of God's retribution against the wicked and serving as a historical testament to His active involvement in the affairs of kings and nations.
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