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.
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.
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.
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.
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