The Hebrew place name Gath-ha-Chêpher, represented by H1662, means "wine-press of (the) well". Appearing 2 times in 2 verses, it is identified as a place in Palestine, with the abridged form Gittahhepher also being used.
In the biblical narrative, H1662 is first mentioned as a boundary marker in Joshua 19:13, where the border passes on along the east to Gittahhepher. Its most notable appearance is in 2 Kings 14:25, where it is identified as the hometown of the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai. This verse records that the LORD restored the coast of Israel according to the word He spoke through His servant Jonah, who was from Gathhepher.
Several related words help clarify the context of this location:
- H3124 Yôwnâh (Jonah): This is the prophet who came from Gath-ha-Chêpher. The town is primarily known as his birthplace, linking the location directly to his prophetic ministry 2 Kings 14:25.
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border, coast): This word is used to describe the "coast" of Israel that was restored through the word spoken by Jonah of Gathhepher 2 Kings 14:25. It reinforces the role of H1662 as a geographical marker.
- H5030 nâbîyʼ (prophet): This term defines the identity of Jonah, the famous resident of Gath-ha-Chêpher, establishing the town as the origin of a man inspired by God 2 Kings 14:25.
The significance of H1662 is primarily geographical and historical, tying prophecy to a specific place.
- Prophetic Origin: It is the designated hometown of Jonah, the servant H5650 of the LORD H3068. This grounds the account of his ministry and the "word" H1697 of God he delivered in a tangible, named location 2 Kings 14:25.
- Geographical Landmark: The name serves as a precise point of reference in Israel's geography. It functions as part of a border description that "passeth on along" H5674 to the east H4217 in the book of Joshua Joshua 19:13.
- Part of a Divine Restoration: The prophecy delivered by Jonah of Gathhepher concerns the restoration of Israel's coast H1366 from the entering of Hamath H2574 to the sea of the plain H6160, marking it as a key site in a significant act of God 2 Kings 14:25.
In summary, H1662 is a specific town in Palestine whose name, "wine-press of (the) well," points to its agricultural setting. While only mentioned twice, it holds importance as both a boundary marker in the allotment of land and, more significantly, as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. Its presence in Scripture connects the divine word and major historical events to a real-world location within the land of Israel.
TRV