The Hebrew term Chătsar Gaddâh H2693 refers to a place in Palestine known as Hazar-gaddah. Its name is derived from words meaning "(the) village of (female) Fortune". This specific place name is exceedingly rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The sole biblical reference to H2693 is found in a geographical list within the book of Joshua. In this passage, Hazar-gaddah is mentioned as one of several towns. The verse records its location alongside neighboring towns, stating, "And Hazargaddah H2693, and Heshmon H2829, and Bethpalet H1046," Joshua 15:27. This single occurrence firmly establishes it as a specific, named location within the biblical landscape.
The context of its only appearance links Chătsar Gaddâh with other nearby locations. These associated places help to define its geographical setting:
- H2829 Cheshmôwn (Heshmon): Defined as "opulent," this was a place in Palestine listed immediately with Hazar-gaddah Joshua 15:27.
- H1046 Bêyth Peleṭ (Beth-palet): Meaning "house of escape," this location appears alongside Hazar-gaddah and Heshmon in the same list Joshua 15:27 and is also mentioned in a later list of towns Nehemiah 11:26.
The significance of H2693 is primarily geographical and historical rather than directly theological. Its inclusion in scripture serves several purposes:
- Territorial Marker: Its main role is to act as a landmark in the detailed list of towns recorded in the book of Joshua Joshua 15:27.
- Cultural Insight: The meaning of the name itself, "(the) village of (female) Fortune," hints at the cultural or religious history of the location, possibly referencing a local deity named Gad that was acknowledged in the area.
- Historical Record: By being named, it is preserved as part of the biblical record of the settlement of the land.
In summary, Chătsar Gaddâh H2693 is a specific place name, Hazar-gaddah, mentioned once in the Bible. Its appearance in Joshua 15:27 solidifies its place in the historical and geographical accounting of ancient Palestine. While not a term with deep theological development, its name offers a small window into the cultural landscape of the time, and its inclusion underscores the detailed nature of the biblical record.
TRV