The Hebrew term ʼAznôwth Tâbôwr, represented by H243, refers to a specific location in Palestine defined as the flats (i.e. tops) of Tabor. Its name indicates it was situated on or near Mount Tabor. This place name is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.
The sole appearance of H243 is in Joshua 19:34, where it functions as a critical landmark in the demarcation of a tribal boundary. The verse states that "the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok." This places H243 as a pivotal point from which the border changes direction, illustrating its role in the highly detailed process of allotting the promised land.
Several related words found in its only context help define the purpose and action surrounding this location:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (coast): This word means "a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed; border, bound, coast." It is used throughout scripture to define the limits of land promised and given by God Deuteronomy 11:24 and is central to the concept of inheritance and national identity.
- H7725 shûwb (turneth): Defined as "to turn back," this verb signifies a change in direction. While used here for a physical border, it is often used theologically for the turning of the heart to God Joel 2:12 or the restoration of the soul Psalms 23:3.
- H3318 yâtsâʼ (goeth out): This verb, meaning "to go out," describes the border proceeding from H243. It is the same word used for God's word going forth from His mouth Isaiah 55:11 and for the prophesied ruler who would "come forth" from Bethlehem Micah 5:2.
- H6293 pâgaʻ (reacheth): Meaning to "impinge, meet, reach," this word describes the border making contact with other territories. It is also used powerfully to mean making intercession Isaiah 53:12 or to "lay" iniquity upon the Lord's servant Isaiah 53:6.
Though a simple place name, the context of H243 carries theological weight related to God's covenant promises.
- Divine Boundaries: The mention of H243 is part of the meticulous recording of the borders H1366 God established for his people. This act of defining territory is a fulfillment of His promise to "enlarge thy border" Deuteronomy 12:20.
- Ordered Fulfillment: The path of the border is described with active verbs like "turneth" H7725 and "goeth out" H3318, suggesting a deliberate and divinely guided progression. This echoes the way God's redemptive plans and His Word proceed to accomplish His will Isaiah 55:11.
- Landmarks of Promise: Aznoth-tabor serves as a fixed point in the landscape, anchoring God's abstract promise of land into concrete, physical reality for the people of Israel.
In summary, H243 is a geographical marker, Aznoth-tabor, mentioned once in scripture. Its significance is not in the name itself but in its function as a landmark within the biblical narrative of God's faithfulness. It marks a point where the coast H1366 turns H7725, goes out H3318, and reaches H6293 its next destination, illustrating how even minor geographical details are woven into the grand tapestry of God's covenant fulfillment.
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