or חַצֲצֹן תָּמָר; from חָצַץ and תָּמָר; division (i.e. perhaps row) of (the) palm-tree; Chatsetson-tamar, a place in Palestine; Hazezon-tamar.
Transliteration:Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr
Pronunciation:khats-ets-one' taw-mawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חַצְצוֹן תָּמָר (Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr), identified by Strong's `{{H2688}}`, is a compound geographical place name. It is derived from two distinct Hebrew roots: חָצַץ (H2686), meaning "to cut, divide, or split," and תָּמָר (H8558), meaning "palm tree" or "date palm." The composite meaning, therefore, is "division of the palm-tree" or "row of palm-trees." This nomenclature likely refers to a specific grove or a distinct section of palm trees, possibly indicating an oasis or a fertile wadi where these trees flourished. The name itself suggests a notable feature in the landscape—a place distinguished by its palm trees, which would have been a vital source of food, shade, and building materials in an arid region. The transliteration is also commonly rendered as "Hazezon-tamar."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hazezon-tamar appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance providing crucial geographical and historical context:
1. **[[Genesis 14:7]]**: In this earliest mention, Hazezon-tamar is identified as the location where Chedorlaomer and his allied kings defeated the Amorites. The verse explicitly states, "Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon-tamar." Significantly, this verse immediately clarifies that Hazezon-tamar is "that is, En-gedi." This identification is critical, linking the ancient name to a well-known oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, renowned for its spring and lush vegetation amidst the wilderness. The context is one of ancient military campaigns, highlighting Hazezon-tamar's strategic importance as a landmark or a point of engagement in the Negeb/Dead Sea region.
2. **[[2 Chronicles 20:2]]**: This passage places Hazezon-tamar in the context of a major military threat against King Jehoshaphat of Judah. A vast coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites gathers to attack Judah, and their approach is described: "Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, 'A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazezon-tamar' (which is En-gedi)." Again, the identification with En-gedi is reiterated. This location, situated on a strategic ascent (the Ascent of Ziz), served as a staging ground for the invading army. The narrative then unfolds with Jehoshaphat's prayer and God's miraculous intervention, where the enemy forces are supernaturally defeated without Judah having to fight. Here, Hazezon-tamar marks the threshold of a divine deliverance.
In both contexts, Hazezon-tamar functions as a significant geographical marker, denoting a specific, recognizable place. Its identification with En-gedi underscores its nature as an oasis in the wilderness, making it a natural gathering point or strategic location for armies traversing the arid terrain.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of חַצְצוֹן תָּמָר naturally lead to related concepts:
* **חָצַץ (H2686):** This root, meaning "to cut, divide, or split," can be seen in the physical landscape of En-gedi, where wadis (dry riverbeds) cut through the terrain, or perhaps in the distinct "division" of palm groves from the surrounding wilderness. It implies a demarcation or a specific section.
* **תָּמָר (H8558):** The "palm tree" is a potent symbol in the ancient Near East, representing fertility, life, prosperity, and shade in an often harsh environment. The presence of palm trees signals an oasis, a source of water and sustenance, making Hazezon-tamar a place of vital resources.
* **En-gedi:** As the explicit identification for Hazezon-tamar, En-gedi is a crucial related concept. It is renowned for its spring, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding Judean Desert. It features prominently in biblical narratives (e.g., [[1 Samuel 24:1]] where David hides from Saul) and post-biblical history.
* **Wilderness (מִדְבָּר, midbar):** Both occurrences of Hazezon-tamar place it within a wilderness context. The "division of palm trees" stands out precisely because of its location in an arid region, emphasizing its unique character as a fertile pocket. This contrast between life (palm trees) and desolation (wilderness) is a recurring motif in biblical theology.
* **Oasis:** Hazezon-tamar/En-gedi functions as an oasis, a vital stopping point for travelers and armies, offering water, food, and respite. This concept highlights the importance of such places in ancient travel and military logistics.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a geographical designation, the occurrences of Hazezon-tamar carry subtle yet profound theological implications:
* **God's Sovereignty over Geography and History:** The Bible's meticulous naming of places, even seemingly minor ones, underscores the belief that God is active in the specific details of human history and the physical world. Hazezon-tamar is not merely a random spot but a divinely ordained stage for significant events, from ancient tribal conflicts to national crises. God's knowledge and involvement extend to every "division of palm trees."
* **Divine Providence in the Wilderness:** The very name "division of palm trees" speaks of life and provision in an otherwise barren landscape. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's ability to provide sustenance and hope even in the most challenging and desolate circumstances. The oasis in the wilderness is a testament to God's sustaining power.
* **A Place of Divine Intervention and Deliverance:** Most powerfully, in [[2 Chronicles 20]], Hazezon-tamar becomes the threshold for God's miraculous deliverance of Judah. It is at this strategic location that the vast enemy army gathers, poised to attack, but it is also here that God orchestrates their self-destruction. This transforms a geographical marker into a profound symbol of God's direct intervention on behalf of His people, demonstrating His power to turn the tide of battle without human effort. The place of the enemy's strength becomes the place of their downfall, orchestrated by God.
* **Continuity of Sacred Memory:** The consistent identification of Hazezon-tamar with En-gedi across centuries (from Genesis to Chronicles) suggests a continuity of historical memory and perhaps a recognition of certain places as imbued with significance due to past divine actions or human experiences.
### Summary
חַצְצוֹן תָּמָר (Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr), Strong's `{{H2688}}`, literally means "division of the palm-tree" or "row of palm-trees," likely referring to an oasis. It is consistently identified with En-gedi, a prominent oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Its two biblical occurrences highlight its strategic importance: in [[Genesis 14:7]], it is the site of an ancient Amorite defeat by Chedorlaomer, and in [[2 Chronicles 20:2]], it serves as the staging ground for a vast enemy coalition against King Jehoshaphat. Theologically, Hazezon-tamar underscores God's sovereignty over geography and history, His provision of life in the wilderness, and most notably, it stands as a testament to His miraculous intervention and deliverance on behalf of His people, transforming a geographical landmark into a site of profound divine action.
TRV