from חֶלְקַת and the plural of צוּר, with the article inserted; smoothness of the rocks; Chelkath Hats-tsurim, a place in Palestine; Helkath-hazzurim.
Transliteration:Chelqath hats-Tsurîym
Pronunciation:khel-kath' hatstsoo-reem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים (Chelqath hats-Tsurîym), designated as Strong's H2521, is a compound proper noun, functioning as a place name. Its etymology provides significant insight into its meaning. The first component, חֶלְקַת (chelqat), is the construct form of חֶלְקָה (chelqah) `{{H2513}}`, which typically denotes a "portion," "field," or "plot of land." It derives from the root חָלַק (chalaq) `{{H2505}}`, meaning "to divide," "to apportion," or "to be smooth." The second component, הַצֻּרִים (hats-Tsurîym), is the definite plural of צוּר (tsur) `{{H6697}}`, meaning "rock" or "cliff." Thus, the literal translation of חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים is "smoothness of the rocks" or "portion/field of the rocks." The "smoothness" aspect could refer to a flat or even surface within a rocky landscape, or perhaps a treacherous, slippery quality. As a proper noun, it designates a specific geographical location, the characteristics of which are hinted at by its descriptive name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים (Chelqath hats-Tsurîym) occurs only once in the biblical text, in [[2 Samuel 2:16]]. This passage describes a pivotal and tragic encounter during the civil war between the house of Saul (represented by Ish-bosheth and his general Abner) and the house of David (represented by Joab and his forces). The event takes place at the "pool of Gibeon." Abner proposes a contest between twelve young men from each side. The text states: "And each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent's side, so they fell down together. So that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon."
The context reveals that the "smoothness of the rocks" became the site of a ritualized, yet lethal, combat. The simultaneous death of all twenty-four combatants underscores the brutality and futility of the internecine conflict. The name itself, "smoothness of the rocks," might be ironic, contrasting the seemingly benign or even inviting nature of the ground with the horrific violence that transpired there. Alternatively, it could simply be a descriptive geographical feature, and the event's notoriety led to the perpetuation of the name. Regardless, the name marks a moment of intense, self-destructive strife within the nascent kingdom, setting the stage for the larger, bloody battle that immediately followed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the components of the name itself.
* **חֶלְקָה (chelqah) `{{H2513}}` / חָלַק (chalaq) `{{H2505}}`:** The root meaning of "to divide" or "to apportion" is particularly resonant given the context. The land was not merely a "portion" but became a place of tragic "division" and mutual destruction. The sense of "smoothness" could also relate to a prepared or level ground for combat, or perhaps a deceptive ease that belies the danger.
* **צוּר (tsur) `{{H6697}}`:** This word for "rock" or "cliff" frequently appears in biblical literature, often metaphorically describing God as a steadfast refuge or strength (e.g., "my rock and my fortress"). In the context of Helkath-hazzurim, however, the "rocks" are merely a physical backdrop to human violence, devoid of the divine protective imagery.
* **Concepts of Conflict and Division:** The event at Helkath-hazzurim epitomizes the destructive nature of civil strife. It stands in stark contrast to the ideal of unity among God's people, a theme frequently emphasized throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[Psalm 133:1]]). The "smoothness" of the rocks might even subtly hint at the ease with which conflict can erupt when divisions are deep.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Helkath-hazzurim lies not in the place itself as a sacred site, but in the event it commemorates and the broader narrative it serves. As the site of a deadly, self-inflicted wound upon the people of Israel, it functions as a potent symbol of human depravity and the tragic consequences of internal division and political ambition.
This incident at Helkath-hazzurim highlights the painful process through which God's chosen king, David, came to power. It underscores that even within God's covenant people, sin and human agency can lead to immense suffering and bloodshed. The "smoothness of the rocks" becomes a stark reminder that even seemingly neutral ground can become a stage for profound human tragedy when animosity prevails.
From a theological perspective, the narrative serves as a cautionary tale. It illustrates the destructive nature of factionalism and the ultimate futility of violence when it pits brother against brother. While God's plan for David's kingship would ultimately prevail, the path was marred by the consequences of human sin, exemplified by the gruesome scene at Helkath-hazzurim. It is a testament to the fact that God works through imperfect human instruments and complex, often painful, historical realities.
### Summary
חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים (Chelqath hats-Tsurîym), meaning "smoothness of the rocks" or "portion of the rocks," is a unique biblical place name found only in [[2 Samuel 2:16]]. It marks the site of a horrific and mutually destructive combat between twelve men from Ish-bosheth's army and twelve from David's army, symbolizing the deep divisions and brutal realities of the early civil war in Israel. The name itself, perhaps ironically, contrasts the physical description of the place with the violent event that consecrated it in memory. Theologically, Helkath-hazzurim serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of human sin, internal strife, and the painful, often bloody, path through which God's purposes are worked out in a fallen world. It stands as a powerful testament to the destructive nature of disunity among God's people.
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