### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chôlôwn**, represented by `{{H2473}}`, is a proper name meaning "sandy." It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible, referring to two distinct places in Palestine. As a location, its significance is derived from its role in the territorial allotments and prophetic judgments within Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2473}}` is first mentioned as one of the **eleven** cities with their villages given to the tribe of Judah in the hill country [[Joshua 15:51]]. Later, this same city, **Holon**, is designated as a Levitical city, given to the priests "with her suburbs" [[Joshua 21:15]]. Hundreds of years later, the name appears again in a prophecy of judgment against Moab, where a place named **Holon** in the "plain country" is listed among the cities that will face divine judgment [[Jeremiah 48:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and nature of **Holon**:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word defines the status of Holon as a fortified or established settlement. It is listed among the **cities** of Judah and later as a Levitical **city** ([[Joshua 15:51]], [[Joshua 21:15]]).
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburbs): This term refers to the open pasture lands surrounding a city. Holon was given to the priests along with its **suburbs**, highlighting that the provision included land for flocks and sustenance [[Joshua 21:15]].
* `{{H1688}}` **Dᵉbîyr** (Debir): A prominent city also given to the priests, **Debir** is mentioned in the same verse as Holon, establishing them as neighboring Levitical towns [[Joshua 21:15]].
* `{{H3096}}` **Yahats** (Jahaz): This location is listed alongside Holon in the prophecy of judgment, indicating they were part of a region destined to face divine reckoning together [[Jeremiah 48:21]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical references to `{{H2473}}` carry theological weight by illustrating key principles of God's covenant with Israel.
* **Fulfilled Promise:** The initial mention of Holon as a city allotted to Judah is a direct example of God fulfilling His promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites [[Joshua 15:51]].
* **Priestly Provision:** Its designation as a city for priests demonstrates the outworking of God's law, which set aside specific places to support the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance of their own [[Joshua 21:15]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The inclusion of Holon in Jeremiah's prophecy underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and accountability. Even specific, named places are subject to God's judgment [[Jeremiah 48:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2473}}` is a specific place name that serves as a landmark in the biblical story of Israel. While not a common word, its occurrences map out significant aspects of the nation's life, from the initial joy of settlement and the establishment of a religious system to the eventual reality of judgment. **Chôlôwn** thus provides a concrete example of how God's promises, provisions, and judgments were applied to tangible locations in the history of His people.
TRV