plural masculine of חָצֵר; yards; Chatserim, a place in Palestine; Hazerim.
Transliteration:Chătsêrîym
Pronunciation:khats-ay-reem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2699}}` (חֲצֵרִים, *Chătsêrîym*) is the masculine plural form of `{{H2691}}` (חָצֵר, *chatsêr*), which primarily denotes an "enclosure," "court," or "yard." When used in the plural, `{{H2699}}` can refer to multiple such enclosures. However, its most significant biblical usage, as indicated by the Strong's definition, is as a proper noun, "Hazerim" or "Chatserim," designating specific "yards" or, more broadly, "settlements" or "villages." These "villages" often imply unwalled or less fortified encampments, distinguishing them from walled cities (`{{H5892}}`, *'iyr*). The semantic range thus extends from literal enclosed spaces to established, albeit perhaps semi-permanent, human habitations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent biblical occurrence of `{{H2699}}` as a proper noun is found in [[Deuteronomy 2:23]]: "And as for the Avvim, who lived in villages (חֲצֵרִים) as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in their place." Here, "Hazerim" clearly refers to the dwelling places or settlements of the Avvim, an ancient people inhabiting the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan before the arrival of the Caphtorim (identified with the Philistines). This verse provides crucial historical and geographical context, illustrating the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land and the dynamic process of displacement and settlement that characterized the region. The term "villages" (חֲצֵרִים) suggests a form of habitation distinct from fortified cities, perhaps indicative of a more pastoral or agricultural lifestyle, or simply smaller, less defensible communities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The foundational word for `{{H2699}}` is its singular form, `{{H2691}}` (חָצֵר, *chatsêr*), which is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe temple courts (e.g., [[Exodus 27:9]]), palace courtyards (e.g., [[2 Samuel 17:18]]), and even the outer enclosures of nomadic camps. The distinction between `{{H2699}}` and `{{H5892}}` (*'iyr*, "city") is crucial for understanding ancient settlement patterns, highlighting the contrast between unwalled villages and fortified urban centers. Conceptually, `{{H2699}}` relates to terms describing habitation and land tenure, such as `{{H3427}}` (יָשַׁב, *yashab*, "to dwell, sit") and `{{H776}}` (אֶרֶץ, *'erets*, "land"). The mention of the Avvim's displacement by the Caphtorim in Hazerim also connects to the broader theme of divine sovereignty over the nations and their territories, a concept central to the Deuteronomic narrative.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2699}}` primarily functions as a geographical descriptor, its theological significance is embedded in the narrative context of [[Deuteronomy 2:23]]. This verse, part of Moses' recounting of Israel's journey and God's dealings with other nations, serves to underscore the divine orchestration of history. The displacement of the Avvim from their "villages" (חֲצֵרִים) by the Caphtorim is presented as a past example of God's sovereign power to establish and dispossess peoples in the land. This historical precedent serves as a theological foundation for Israel's own impending conquest and settlement of Canaan. It demonstrates that the land is ultimately God's to give and to take, and that even the seemingly minor details of who inhabits which "village" are under His providential hand. The transient nature of human habitation in Hazerim, subject to divine decree, points to the ultimate permanence of God's covenant and His plan.
### Summary
`{{H2699}}` (חֲצֵרִים, *Chătsêrîym*) is the plural form of `{{H2691}}` (*chatsêr*), signifying "enclosures" or "courts." In its most notable biblical usage, it functions as the proper noun "Hazerim," referring to "villages" or "settlements," particularly those unwalled. Its singular occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 2:23]] describes the dwelling places of the Avvim, who were subsequently displaced by the Caphtorim. This detail is not merely geographical but holds theological weight within the Deuteronomic narrative, illustrating God's sovereign control over the destinies of nations and their occupation of the land. The mention of Hazerim, therefore, serves as a subtle yet profound reminder of divine providence at work in history, shaping the very landscape and its inhabitants according to God's overarching plan.
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