feminine active participle of זָחַל; crawling (i.e. serpent); Zocheleth, a boundary stone in. Palestine; Zoheleth.
Transliteration:Zôcheleth
Pronunciation:zo-kheh'-leth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2120}}` (Zôcheleth) is a proper noun, specifically a place name, derived from the verbal root `{{H2119}}` (zāḥal), meaning "to crawl," "to creep," or "to glide." As a feminine active participle, זֹחֶלֶת literally translates to "the crawling one" or "that which crawls." While the root verb is primarily associated with the movement of serpents or other low-slung creatures, in the context of `{{H2120}}`, it refers to a specific stone landmark. The precise reason for this appellation is not explicitly stated in the text, but it likely relates to a characteristic of the stone itself, such as its shape, the presence of crawling creatures nearby, or the nature of the terrain around it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2120}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Kings 1:9]]. Here, it designates "the stone Zoheleth, which is beside En-rogel." This location is pivotal as the site chosen by Adonijah, David's son, for his self-proclaimed coronation feast and sacrificial offering. The full verse reads: "And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone Zoheleth, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants."
En-rogel (`{{H5875}}`) was a significant spring or well located southeast of Jerusalem, often serving as a boundary marker and a vital water source. Its proximity to Jerusalem made it a suitable, albeit publicly visible, location for Adonijah's attempted coup. The "stone Zoheleth" thus served as a prominent, identifiable landmark in the vicinity of En-rogel, indicating a specific point for assembly and ritual. The choice of this public site highlights Adonijah's desire for a widely recognized claim to the throne, contrasting sharply with Solomon's anointing at the more sacred and divinely appointed Gihon Spring.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H2120}}` is its root verb, `{{H2119}}` (zāḥal). This verb appears in various contexts, often describing the movement of reptiles or other creatures that move close to the ground (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:24]] in some interpretations related to serpents, though the specific root usage can vary). While the stone itself is not a serpent, its name evokes this imagery of "crawling."
Other related concepts include:
* **Boundary Markers:** Large stones or rock formations often served as natural or designated boundary markers in ancient Israel and the wider Ancient Near East. Their names frequently reflected local features or lore.
* **Springs and Wells:** En-rogel (`{{H5875}}`) is inextricably linked with Zoheleth in the biblical text. Springs were vital for life and often served as gathering places, both legitimate and otherwise.
* **Usurpation and Kingship:** The narrative context of `{{H2120}}` is deeply intertwined with the theme of succession to the throne of Israel, contrasting Adonijah's human-orchestrated attempt with God's divine choice of Solomon.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical marker, the stone Zoheleth's theological significance is primarily indirect, deriving from the momentous event it witnesses. It stands as the physical backdrop for Adonijah's audacious, yet ultimately futile, attempt to seize the throne from his father, King David. This act of usurpation stands in stark contrast to God's established plan for the Davidic dynasty, which explicitly designated Solomon as the successor.
The very name "Zoheleth," evoking "crawling," might subtly underscore the nature of Adonijah's actions: a stealthy, perhaps insidious, attempt to circumvent divine order and parental authority. While not explicitly stated, the imagery of a "crawling" creature in biblical thought can sometimes carry connotations of deception or illicit movement (cf. the serpent in Eden, though a different Hebrew word, `{{H5175}}`, is used). Thus, the name of the stone could subtly foreshadow the illicit and ultimately doomed nature of Adonijah's enterprise. The presence of this stone in the narrative emphasizes God's sovereign control over the succession, frustrating human schemes and ensuring the fulfillment of His promises.
### Summary
`{{H2120}}` (Zôcheleth) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, referring to a specific stone landmark mentioned only once in [[1 Kings 1:9]]. Its name, derived from the root `{{H2119}}` meaning "to crawl," suggests a characteristic of the stone or its immediate surroundings. This "stone Zoheleth" is significant as the location where Adonijah, son of David, attempted to establish himself as king through a sacrificial feast. Its association with En-rogel (`{{H5875}}`) places it within the important geographical and political landscape of ancient Jerusalem. Theologically, the stone serves as a silent witness to Adonijah's failed usurpation, highlighting the contrast between human ambition and God's divine appointment of Solomon. The subtle imagery of "crawling" embedded in its name may also serve as a nuanced commentary on the illicit nature of Adonijah's actions.
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