from the same as חַכְלִיל; dark; Chakilah, a hill in Palestine; Hachilah.
Transliteration:Chăkîylâh
Pronunciation:khak-ee-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲכִילָה (Chăkîylâh), transliterated as Hachilah, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location, a hill in the wilderness of Ziph in Judah. Its base definition indicates a derivation from a root meaning "dark" or "dark-colored," specifically linked to the noun חַכְלִיל (chaklîl), which denotes a dark or dusky hue, often associated with the color of eyes or wine. Thus, the name Hachilah likely describes a physical characteristic of the hill itself, perhaps due to its geological composition, dense foliage, or the shadows it cast, giving it a dark or somber appearance. As a place name, its semantic range is primarily geographical, identifying a specific landmark within the ancient Israelite landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hachilah appears exclusively in the First Book of Samuel, serving as a significant backdrop for key events in the narrative of David's flight from King Saul. Its occurrences are concentrated in two distinct episodes:
1. **First Mention - Saul's Pursuit of David (1 Samuel 23):**
* In [[1 Samuel 23:19]], the Ziphites betray David's hiding place to Saul, specifying that David is concealed "in the strongholds in the forest, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon." This verse establishes Hachilah as a known stronghold, a place of refuge within a forested area, situated strategically in the wilderness.
* [[1 Samuel 23:24]] further details Saul's pursuit, stating that "Saul and his men went to seek him. And David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon." While not directly mentioning Hachilah, this context follows the Ziphites' report, implying Saul's movement towards the area identified by Hachilah.
2. **Second Mention - David Spares Saul's Life (1 Samuel 26):**
* [[1 Samuel 26:1]] reiterates the Ziphites' betrayal, informing Saul that "David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon." This again pinpoints Hachilah as David's sanctuary.
* [[1 Samuel 26:3]] describes Saul encamping on Hachilah, "by the road opposite Jeshimon," as he prepares to search for David. This sets the stage for David's daring nocturnal infiltration of Saul's camp, where he takes Saul's spear and water jug, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed and his refusal to harm Saul.
In both contexts, Hachilah functions as a critical geographical marker, a place of both refuge for David and intense pursuit by Saul. Its description as a "stronghold" suggests natural defenses, while its "dark" etymological root might subtly allude to the hiddenness or danger associated with David's life as a fugitive.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to חַכְלִיל (chaklîl), Strong's number `{{H2447}}`, which means "dark" or "dusky." This connection underscores the likely physical appearance of the hill. The concept of "darkness" in a geographical context often refers to areas that are obscure, shadowed, or difficult to traverse, which would make Hachilah an ideal hiding place for David.
Beyond its etymological root, Hachilah is conceptually related to other biblical terms denoting places of refuge, wilderness, or strategic encampment. These include:
* **מִצְדָה (mitsdah)**, "stronghold" or "fortress," a term used to describe Hachilah in [[1 Samuel 23:19]]. This highlights its natural defensive qualities.
* **מִדְבָּר (midbar)**, "wilderness," a common setting for David's wanderings and a place of both desolation and divine provision. Hachilah is situated within such a wilderness (the Wilderness of Ziph).
* **כְּפוֹר (kephor)**, "hiding place" or "covert," reflecting the function Hachilah served for David.
* The broader theme of **pursuit and escape**, which permeates the narratives of David and Saul. Hachilah is a physical manifestation of this dynamic.
### Theological Significance
While Hachilah is primarily a geographical designation, its role as the setting for pivotal moments in David's life imbues it with theological resonance.
Firstly, Hachilah serves as a testament to God's providential care for David. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit and the betrayal by the Ziphites, David consistently found refuge in such strongholds, indicating divine protection. The "darkness" of Hachilah, whether literal or symbolic, can be seen as a place where David, though in obscurity and danger, was nonetheless under the watchful eye of the Almighty.
Secondly, the events at Hachilah, particularly in [[1 Samuel 26]], highlight David's character as a man after God's own heart. His refusal to harm Saul, even when presented with a clear opportunity, demonstrates his unwavering respect for God's anointed and his commitment to allowing God to execute justice. This act of mercy, performed in the very place where he was being hunted, underscores David's faith and moral integrity amidst extreme duress. Hachilah thus becomes a stage for David's demonstration of spiritual maturity and trust in God's timing.
Finally, Hachilah, as a place of hiddenness and trial, symbolizes the periods of spiritual testing and refinement that God's chosen often experience. It is in such "dark" and difficult places that character is forged, faith is deepened, and reliance on God is solidified.
### Summary
Hachilah (חֲכִילָה, `{{H2444}}`) is a proper noun referring to a specific hill in the wilderness of Ziph, named for its likely "dark" or "dusky" appearance. It features prominently in the First Book of Samuel as a key geographical location during David's flight from King Saul. Serving as both a stronghold and a hiding place, Hachilah is the setting for the Ziphites' betrayal of David and, most significantly, for David's second opportunity to take Saul's life, an opportunity he famously declines. Theologically, Hachilah underscores God's providential protection of David during his trials and highlights David's righteous character, particularly his reverence for God's anointed and his trust in divine justice, even amidst the "darkness" of his fugitive existence.
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