or (shortened) חֹלֹן; probably from חוֹל; sandy; Cholon, the name of two places in Palestine; Holon.
Transliteration:Chôlôwn
Pronunciation:kho-lone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֹלוֹן (Chôlôwn, `{{H2473}}`) is a geographical place name, derived from the root חוֹל (chôl, `{{H2344}}`), which signifies "sand" or "sandy ground." Therefore, the core meaning of Chôlôwn is "sandy" or "place of sand." Its semantic range is primarily descriptive of a topographical feature, designating a location characterized by sandy soil. This etymology suggests an environment that might be either fertile (if sand is mixed with richer soil and water is available) or barren (if it is pure desert sand).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chôlôwn appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to two distinct locations:
1. **A City in Judah:**
* [[Joshua 15:51]]: Chôlôwn is listed among the cities in the hill country (Shephelah) of Judah, part of the tribal inheritance. It is grouped with other significant towns like Goshen and Giloh. This placement indicates its integration into the structured territorial allotments for the tribes of Israel.
* [[Joshua 21:15]]: This same Chôlôwn is specifically designated as one of the thirteen cities allotted to the sons of Aaron (the priests) from the tribe of Judah. Its inclusion among the Levitical cities underscores its importance within the religious and administrative framework of early Israel. The seemingly mundane name "sandy" does not detract from its sacred function as a dwelling place for those serving the Lord.
2. **A City in Moab:**
* [[Jeremiah 48:21]]: Chôlôwn is mentioned in a prophetic oracle of judgment against Moab. Here, it is listed among other Moabite cities that will face desolation due to divine wrath. This Chôlôwn is geographically distinct from the Judean city, located east of the Dead Sea. Its inclusion in a list of doomed cities emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon the nations. The name "sandy" in this context might subtly reinforce the imagery of barrenness and ruin that accompanies divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to חֹלוֹן (Chôlôwn, `{{H2473}}`) is its root, חוֹל (chôl, `{{H2344}}`), which means "sand." This root is used extensively in the Old Testament, often metaphorically:
* **Multitude/Innumerable:** The "sand of the sea" is a frequent biblical metaphor for an immeasurable quantity, particularly in God's promises of countless descendants to Abraham ([[Genesis 22:17]], [[Genesis 32:12]]). This highlights God's boundless power to fulfill His covenant.
* **Foundation/Instability:** In wisdom literature and the New Testament, sand can symbolize an unstable or unreliable foundation, contrasting with the firmness of rock ([[Matthew 7:26]] - though the specific Greek word is different, the concept of sand's instability is shared).
* **Desolation/Barrenness:** Sandy or desert landscapes are often associated with wilderness, barrenness, or the effects of divine judgment ([[Isaiah 35:7]], where sandy ground is transformed into a pool).
While Chôlôwn is a proper noun, its etymological connection to "sand" allows for a subtle interplay with these broader biblical themes, depending on the context of its mention.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, the theological significance of Chôlôwn is primarily derived from its role within the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan and His interactions with humanity.
1. **Divine Providence and Order:** The designation of Chôlôwn in Judah as a Levitical city ([[Joshua 21:15]]) underscores God's meticulous ordering of the land and His faithful provision for the spiritual leadership of Israel. It demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant people, ensuring that even places named for seemingly ordinary features like "sand" are incorporated into His divine structure for worship and governance. This highlights the sacredness of the land given by God and its purpose in supporting the priestly service.
2. **Sovereignty in Judgment:** The appearance of Chôlôwn in Moab within a prophecy of judgment ([[Jeremiah 48:21]]) illustrates God's universal sovereignty. His dominion extends not only over His covenant people but also over the surrounding nations, holding them accountable for their actions. The judgment against Moab serves as a testament to God's righteousness and His ultimate control over the destiny of all peoples. The "sandy" nature of the place might subtly contribute to the imagery of utter desolation and ruin that characterizes divine judgment.
Chôlôwn itself does not carry inherent moral or spiritual weight beyond its descriptive meaning. Its theological import is found in its function as a tangible marker on the landscape where God's promises of land and provision are fulfilled, and where His righteous judgments are enacted.
### Summary
חֹלוֹן (Chôlôwn, `{{H2473}}`) is a Hebrew place name meaning "sandy," derived from the word חוֹל (chôl, `{{H2344}}`), "sand." The Bible refers to two distinct locations bearing this name. The first is a city in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in [[Joshua 15:51]] as part of Judah's inheritance and crucially, designated as a Levitical city for the priests in [[Joshua 21:15]]. This highlights God's meticulous organization of the Promised Land and His provision for the spiritual life of Israel. The second Chôlôwn is a city in Moab, listed in [[Jeremiah 48:21]] as a recipient of divine judgment against that nation. This instance underscores God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all peoples. While its etymology is purely descriptive of a geographical feature, the theological significance of Chôlôwn lies in its role as a specific location within the unfolding narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, His divine ordering, and His just dealings with both Israel and the surrounding nations.
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