### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr**, represented by `{{H2688}}`, refers to a place in Palestine. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name itself is derived from words meaning "division (i.e. perhaps row) of (the) palm-tree," and it is also rendered as Hazezon-tamar or Hazazontamar.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H2688}}` is noted as a specific, inhabited location. In Genesis, it is described as the place where the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` before they were **smote** `{{H5221}}` by a coalition of invading kings [[Genesis 14:7]]. Centuries later, in 2 Chronicles, it is identified as the gathering point for a **great** `{{H7227}}` **multitude** `{{H1995}}` preparing to attack King **Jehoshaphat** `{{H3092}}`. This passage explicitly states that Hazazontamar is **Engedi** `{{H5872}}` [[2 Chronicles 20:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the geographical and historical context of Hazezontamar:
* `{{H567}}` **ʼĔmôrîy** (Amorite): This term identifies the people who **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` in Hazezontamar during the time of Abraham, marking it as one of the Canaanitish tribes' settlements [[Genesis 14:7]].
* `{{H5872}}` **ʻÊyn Gedîy** (En-gedi): This name, meaning "fountain of a kid," is directly equated with Hazazontamar, fixing its location in Palestine [[2 Chronicles 20:2]].
* `{{H3092}}` **Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ** (Jehoshaphat): As the king of Judah, he was **told** `{{H5046}}` that an invading army had assembled against him at Hazazontamar [[2 Chronicles 20:2]].
* `{{H5880}}` **ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ** (En-mishpat): Meaning "fountain of judgment," this location, also called **Kadesh** `{{H6946}}`, was a stop for the kings before they **smote** `{{H5221}}` the Amorites in Hazezontamar [[Genesis 14:7]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2688}}` is primarily geographical and historical, marking a key location in two distinct conflicts.
* **Strategic Location:** Its identification with **Engedi** `{{H5872}}` places it in a strategic position near the **sea** `{{H3220}}`. It served as a staging ground for a **great multitude** `{{H1995}}` to launch an attack against Jehoshaphat and Judah [[2 Chronicles 20:2]].
* **Site of Conflict:** Both of its mentions occur in the context of war. It is first the site of a decisive military strike against its **Amorite** `{{H567}}` inhabitants [[Genesis 14:7]] and later the location of a formidable enemy force gathering against the kingdom of Judah [[2 Chronicles 20:2]].
* **Historical Landmark:** The name connects two different eras of biblical history. It is first an Amorite dwelling in the patriarchal period and later a known landmark during the time of the kings of Judah, demonstrating its enduring significance in the region.
### Summary
In summary, **Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr** `{{H2688}}` is more than just an ancient place name. It is a specific, identifiable location known as **Engedi** `{{H5872}}`. Though mentioned only twice, it appears in pivotal narratives of conflict, first as a settlement of the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` that was overthrown and later as a strategic military encampment for a force threatening King **Jehoshaphat** `{{H3092}}`. Its presence in Scripture provides a geographical anchor for these historical events.
TRV