The Hebrew word Chumṭâh, represented by H2547, is the name of a town, Humtah, located in Palestine. Its base definition is "low." This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text, marking it as a specific geographical location mentioned in the context of tribal land allotments.
The sole appearance of H2547 is in the book of Joshua, as part of a detailed list of cities assigned to the tribe of Judah. The verse states, "And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages" Joshua 15:54. In this passage, Humtah is listed as one of nine cities in the hill country of Judah, establishing its identity as a specific, named settlement within the promised inheritance of the Israelites.
Several related words from its only context help to define its location and nature:
- H2275 Chebrôwn (Hebron): Defined as the "seat of association," Hebron is a major city mentioned alongside Humtah in the same list, providing a well-known geographical anchor for Humtah's location Joshua 15:54.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This word, meaning "a city," is used to categorize Humtah. The text explicitly identifies Humtah as one of the "nine cities" in that region of Judah Joshua 15:54.
- H2691 châtsêr (villages): Meaning "a hamlet" or "village," this term describes the smaller settlements associated with the main cities. Humtah is listed as a city "with their villages," indicating it was a center for a surrounding cluster of smaller communities Joshua 15:54.
The significance of H2547 is not found in theological discourse but in its role within the biblical narrative of the fulfillment of God's promise.
- Part of the Inheritance: The inclusion of Humtah in the list of cities in Joshua confirms its place as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, a tangible piece of the inheritance promised by God to Israel.
- Geographical Record: As a named location, Humtah serves as a specific marker in the detailed geographical survey of the promised land. Its mention underscores the historical and administrative reality of the tribal settlement.
- Communal Structure: Humtah is not mentioned in isolation but as part of a group of "nine cities with their villages" Joshua 15:54, highlighting the organized structure of settled life and governance within the tribe of Judah.
In summary, H2547 Chumṭâh refers to the city of Humtah. Though it appears only once, its mention in the biblical text is significant. It serves to precisely document the territory of Judah, anchoring the fulfillment of God's covenant promises in a specific, named location. Its sole appearance within a list of cities demonstrates the detailed and orderly nature of the division of the promised land as recorded in scripture.
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