### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gîyach**, represented by `{{H1520}}`, identifies **Giach, a place in Palestine**. Derived from a root meaning **a fountain**, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its rarity underscores its function as a specific geographical marker rather than a broad concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1520}}` is in the historical account of the civil war between the houses of Saul and David. In [[2 Samuel 2:24]], **Giah** marks the location where Joab `{{H3097}}` and Abishai `{{H52}}` ended their pursuit `{{H7291}}` of Abner `{{H74}}` for the day. The text precisely situates the event as the sun `{{H8121}}` was setting, noting they had "come `{{H935}}` to the hill `{{H1389}}` of Ammah `{{H522}}`, that lieth before `{{H6440}}` **Giah** by the way `{{H1870}}` of the wilderness `{{H4057}}` of Gibeon `{{H1391}}`."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the geographical and narrative context of Giah:
* `{{H1391}}` **Gibʻôwn** (hilly; Gibon, a place in Palestine; Gibeon): Giah is situated along the route to the wilderness of this significant city. Gibeon was a major city where the LORD appeared to Solomon [[1 Kings 3:5]] and the site of Joshua's command for the sun to stand still [[Joshua 10:12]].
* `{{H522}}` **ʼAmmâh** (Ammah, a hill in Palestine): This is the specific hill that lies "before Giah" [[2 Samuel 2:24]], directly linking the two locations and providing a precise landmark for the end of the chase.
* `{{H1389}}` **gibʻâh** (a hillock; hill, little hill): This common noun describes the physical terrain of Ammah, emphasizing the setting where the pursuit of Abner concluded [[2 Samuel 2:24]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1520}}` is found entirely in its narrative function as a specific location.
* **A Landmark in Conflict:** Giah serves as a geographical anchor for a key moment in the conflict between Joab, David's commander, and Abner, the commander of Saul's army. It pinpoints the cessation of a hostile chase `{{H7291}}` that had profound implications for the consolidation of David's kingdom [[2 Samuel 2:24]].
* **A Stage for a Turning Point:** The halt of the pursuit at this location as the sun went down marks a pivotal pause in the hostilities, setting the stage for the subsequent parley between Abner and Joab.
* **Connection to Gibeon:** Its placement on the way of the wilderness of Gibeon connects this event to a region with deep historical importance for Israel, adding weight to the unfolding drama [[2 Samuel 2:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1520}}` is a highly specific term, a proper name for a place that appears only once. It does not carry broad theological weight but serves the crucial purpose of grounding a pivotal biblical event in a precise geographical and historical context. The mention of **Giah** illustrates the detailed nature of the biblical record, where even minor locations are named to provide a full and vivid account of Israel's history.
TRV