The Hebrew word Chălîy, represented by H2482, is the proper name for Hali, a place in Palestine. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole function within scripture is to identify this specific geographical location.
The single biblical reference to H2482 is found in the book of Joshua, during the description of the territory allotted to the tribes of Israel. The verse states, "And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph" Joshua 19:25. In this context, Hali serves as a landmark, listed among several other towns that together define a specific border H1366 within the Promised Land.
The context of Hali connects it to several other key geographical terms:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border, bound, coast): This term denotes a boundary, limit, or the territory enclosed. It is used to establish the border that includes Hali Joshua 19:25 and appears in contexts where God sets the "bound" for the sea Jeremiah 5:22.
- H2520 Chelqath (Helkath): Defined as "smoothness," this is another place in Palestine mentioned with Hali as part of the border Joshua 19:25 and is also identified as a Levitical city Joshua 21:31.
- H991 Beṭen (Beten): This word identifies another location in Palestine, appearing in the same list as Hali to define the tribal boundary Joshua 19:25.
- H407 ʼAkshâph (Achshaph): Meaning "fascination," this is the name of a place in Palestine whose king is listed among those defeated Joshua 12:20 and which serves as a landmark on the same border as Hali Joshua 19:25.
While H2482 itself has limited theological weight as a name, its context is rich with significance.
- Fulfillment of Covenant Promise: The mention of Hali is part of the detailed record of the division of the land of Canaan. This meticulous documentation of borders H1366 serves as a tangible fulfillment of God's promise that Israel's children would come again to their own border Jeremiah 31:17.
- Divine Sovereignty over Territory: The concept of a border H1366 points to God as the ultimate establisher of limits. This is seen when God promises to enlarge Israel's borders Exodus 34:24 and when He sets the bounds of the sea Jeremiah 5:22.
- Historical Specificity: The inclusion of specific, named locations like Hali grounds the biblical narrative in real-world geography, underscoring the historicity of the events described and God's direct involvement in the life of the nation.
In summary, Chălîy H2482 is a geographical proper noun identifying the location of Hali. Its singular biblical appearance Joshua 19:25 firmly places it as a landmark within the border H1366 of a tribal territory. Though a minor detail, its inclusion in the sacred text is part of a larger theological framework that affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His absolute sovereignty in establishing the borders of nations.
TRV