the same as חֲלִי; Chali, a place in Palestine; Hali.
Transliteration:Chălîy
Pronunciation:khal-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֲלִי (Chălîy), designated by Strong's `{{H2482}}`, refers exclusively to a proper noun, specifically a geographical location. Unlike common nouns or verbs, a proper noun does not possess a broad semantic range but rather denotes a unique entity. Its "meaning" is its identity as a specific place name. The definition provided, "the same as חֲלִי; Chali, a place in Palestine; Hali," reinforces its function as a proper noun, indicating a specific town or landmark within the biblical landscape. There is no discernible etymological connection to a common root that would provide a deeper conceptual meaning for this place name, as is sometimes the case with other biblical toponyms. Its significance lies solely in its designation as a specific point on the map of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name חֲלִי (Chălîy) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 19:25]]**: "And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,"
This verse describes a portion of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Asher during the division of the land of Canaan. Hali is listed among several towns that delineate the boundary or form part of the territory of Asher. Its inclusion in this detailed geographical catalog underscores the meticulous nature of the land distribution, which was carried out by lot under the direction of Joshua and Eleazar the priest, as commanded by God. The precise listing of towns like Hali emphasizes the concrete fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding their inheritance. While its exact location is not definitively known today, its mention places it within the coastal plain or foothills region traditionally associated with Asher's tribal allotment, likely in the northern part of ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun denoting a specific place, חֲלִי (Chălîy) is primarily related to concepts of:
* **Geographical Delimitation**: Its appearance alongside other towns such as Helkath, Beten, and Achshaph (`{{H3978}}`, `{{H990}}`, `{{H5913}}`) highlights the detailed process of defining tribal boundaries (גְּבוּל, `{{H1366}}`). This meticulous mapping was crucial for establishing the identity and security of each tribe's inheritance.
* **Tribal Inheritance**: Hali is part of the נַחֲלָה (naḥălāh, `{{H5159}}`), the inheritance or possession granted to the tribe of Asher. This concept is central to the book of Joshua, signifying the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land.
* **Divine Providence**: The entire process of land division, including the specific naming of towns like Hali, reflects God's providential hand in ordering the affairs of His people and ensuring that each tribe received its designated portion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲלִי (Chălîy), though a minor place name, is deeply embedded in the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and covenant fulfillment.
* **Fulfillment of Promise**: The precise enumeration of towns like Hali in the tribal allotments serves as tangible evidence of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. For centuries, the descendants of Abraham had been promised a land, and the detailed division in Joshua demonstrates the meticulous and complete fulfillment of that divine pledge. Every named location, no matter how obscure, testifies to God's precision and reliability.
* **Divine Order and Justice**: The systematic allocation of land, including specific towns like Hali, reflects God's divine order for His people. It established a framework for societal stability, tribal identity, and economic sustenance, ensuring that each family and tribe received a just and equitable portion of the promised land.
* **Land as Inheritance**: The concept of land as a divine inheritance (נַחֲלָה, `{{H5159}}`) is foundational to Israelite theology. It was not merely territory but a sacred trust, a gift from Yahweh that defined their identity and relationship with Him. The mention of Hali reinforces the reality of this inheritance, making the abstract promise concrete and tangible. Even a small, perhaps otherwise insignificant, town becomes a testament to God's active involvement in the historical and geographical realities of His people.
### Summary
חֲלִי (Chălîy, `{{H2482}}`) is a proper noun identifying a specific geographical location, a town or landmark within the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. Mentioned solely in [[Joshua 19:25]], its significance lies not in a broad semantic range, but in its precise role within the detailed account of Israel's land inheritance. As part of the meticulous geographical descriptions in Joshua, Hali serves as concrete evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel regarding the land. Its inclusion underscores the divine order, justice, and providence inherent in the division of Canaan, transforming an abstract promise into a tangible reality for the twelve tribes.
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