### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Chelqath hats-Tsurîym**, represented by `{{H2521}}`, is also rendered as **Helkath-hazzurim**. Its base definition is **smoothness of the rocks**. This name is unique, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking a specific location in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2521}}` is in [[2 Samuel 2:16]], where it names the site of a deadly encounter in Gibeon. The verse describes a grim scene where men from opposing armies caught {H2388} each other by the head {H7218} and thrust a sword {H2719} into their fellow's {H7453} side {H6654}. As a result, they all fell down {H5307} together {H3162}. The place was then called {H7121} **Helkathhazzurim** to commemorate this event of mutual destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The words used to describe the creation of this place name are significant:
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq**: This root means **to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong**. The men **caught** one another in a fatal grip [[2 Samuel 2:16]]. Elsewhere, this word is used positively as an exhortation to **be strong** and courageous in the LORD [[Joshua 1:9]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb**: This word refers to a **cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement**. It is the instrument of death in the naming of Helkath-hazzurim [[2 Samuel 2:16]]. It is also used prophetically, as when the LORD of hosts calls for a **sword** against his shepherd [[Zechariah 13:7]].
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal**: This primitive root means **to fall, in a great variety of applications**. In the account, the men **fell down** together [[2 Samuel 2:16]]. The word can also be used in the context of redemption, as in the promise to raise up the tabernacle of David that is **fallen** [[Amos 9:11]].
### Theological Significance
The naming of `{{H2521}}` carries significant weight, marking a moment of intense and tragic conflict.
* **A Memorial of Strife:** The act of naming {H7121} the place serves as a permanent reminder of a specific, brutal event in Israel's history. It was **called** Helkathhazzurim precisely because of the violence that occurred there [[2 Samuel 2:16]].
* **Mutual Destruction:** The event itself, where men fell {H5307} together {H3162}, is a stark illustration of the self-defeating nature of conflict. Each man {H376} grabs his fellow {H7453}, and the result is universal death. This stands in contrast to the command to love thy neighbour {H7453} [[Leviticus 19:18]].
* **The Sword of Conflict:** The sword {H2719} is central to the event. While often an instrument of judgment or defense, here it represents a tragic internal struggle. This is the opposite of the eschatological hope when nations will beat their swords {H2719} into plowshares and learn war no more [[Isaiah 2:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2521}}` **Helkath-hazzurim** is not a common term but a specific place name of great significance. Meaning "smoothness of the rocks," it appears only once in scripture to memorialize a tragic event of mutual destruction [[2 Samuel 2:16]]. The name is forever tied to the image of men falling together in conflict, a solemn reminder of the cost of strife, where the act of seizing {H2388} an opponent with one hand and wielding a sword {H2719} with the other leads only to shared ruin.
TRV